May 14
Illustration
Pictures are powerful stuff. This little book looked interesting enough that I ordered a copy (even though I have no plans to visit China anytime soon). It provides images that represent various ideas you would commonly need to communicate to someone who does not speak the same language—a picture of a credit card, a toilet, food items, and so on.
It is not be a new idea but a nice execution of it. More than anything it is a good reminder of how far a pertinent illustration can advance communication—even when you speak the same language.
Me No Speak...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Before & After: Page Design...
Apr 21
Illustration
It wasn't long ago that graphic design was as much craft as it is intellectual exercise. You could argue that there is craft to using computers and software, but the physicality of most designer's daily work is not what it once was.
So it is refreshing (and nostalgic) to see great craft being practiced. Thank you to my friend Sheila Hanchard who points us to the work of Russian animator Alexander Petrov. Though he is best known for his artistic achievements—among others, his adaptation of The Old Man and the Sea—he is the director of several much-acclaimed, anti-conventional spots for United Airlines.
One of the United Airline spots—titled The Rose...
A clip from The Old Man and the Sea...
The Canadian animation studio Petrov works through, click Welcome > Directors...
And a fascinating documentary of Petrov's pastels on glass technique...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Task Force Clip Art...
Apr 16
Illustration
Illustrator is to artist as reporter is to poet. The reporter uses words to communicate news—the poet defines his own purpose. To my function-focused mind there is nothing quite so compelling as an illustration that communicates the idea more persuasively than words could. David Gothard is an illustrator with a wonderful talent for marrying concepts to images.
Watch this...
Gothard's portfolio...
His blog...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Art Parts Clip Art...
Mar 7
Illustration
Last month I mentioned David Ogilvy's penchant for writing copy in the form of a story. Here are some excellent examples of the genre illustrated by James Bingham. What better way to communicate your idea than to spin it into a memorable anecdote or story.
Once you've seen this you can spend the rest of your morning (sorry) looking through Thomas Clement's American Art Archives—a treasury of illustration and advertising history.
James Bingham's storytelling illustrations...
Here is the index of illustrators on the American Art Archives...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Creative Business CD-ROM...
Feb 27
Illustration
Bob Staake has found the secret of youth. Somehow, as he ages, his illustrations get fresher and more interesting. If you don't know his work you will find it on the pages of publications such as Time and The New Yorker and among projects produced for clients such as Disney and American Express. He has also authored and/or illustrated over 40 books.
You may be surprised to learn that, though he had a good thing going in the early nineties, he dared to reinvent himself. He not only made the move from the drawing board to a computer, he dramatically changed his illustration style. His story is a good example of how assessing and reinventing your approach and skills can lead to even greater success.
Bob Staake's portfolio...
His main site...
The story of how Staake reinvented himself...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Brenner Pricing Tables...
Feb 4
Illustration
For our purposes, I am more interested in the expression of this idea than in the idea itself. Not that I think it is a bad idea, just that I am so impressed by the spirit in which it is discussed and illustrated—with such enthusiasm.
Nick Sherman's Modern Day Type Specimen Book...
Another well-illustrated article...
Dec 26
Illustration
Easier said than done. Why would an illustrator of the caliber of Michael Halbert share the secrets of creating scratchboard illustrations? I suspect because it will convince you to hire someone like Michael Halbert—he demonstrates that it isn't easy. These in depth tutorials are a real treasure.
Michael Halbert's Scratchboard tutorials...
Halbert's portfolio...
Dec 19
Illustration
John Grimwade is among the top information illustrators on the planet. You may have seen his diagrams in Condé Nast Traveler, his icons in Fortune, or his maps in Popular Science.
A diagram example...
A map example...
A rough sketch of a project in the works...
John Grimwade's front door...
Dec 12
Illustration
If you've been reading for a while, you know I'm a big fan of “different”. Frank Maier's illustrations are so familiar, they look different. Reminds me of early vector drawings that, because of the limitations of the software, were necessarily simplistic. No limitations here, just interesting, clear concepts and imagery.
One example...
Maier's portfolio...
Dec 5
Illustration
The story goes like this: Charles S. Anderson inherited a substantial collection of original artwork from retired commercial artist Clyde Lewis. Lewis had spent his career producing advertising illustrations for everything from matchbooks to menus. That collection was the catalyst for what today is one of the most unusual and lauded stock art libraries. Much of it is rights-managed versus royalty-free (meaning the licensing cost of images is calculated on the basis of how you intend to use it). But even if you don't have a project in mind, do yourself a favor and take a look. Keep it in your back pocket for future use.
The collection...
Switch over to Anderson's design studio to see some of the images in use...
Nov 30
Illustration
Illustrator Mark Fisher explains “On the weekends I am the night watchman at a large old Civil War era mill complex that has been converted to business and office space. Alone from midnight to 8 am I draw and sketch in between my rounds. Sometimes while drawing I will suddenly awake and find odd lines or blobs that happened while I dozed off. I leave most of those accidents in the art.” The resulting illustrations are on his drawger.com site.
Mark Fisher's somnambulistic sketches...
Nov 23
Illustration
To me an innovator transforms some aspect of the world around them into something it would not otherwise be. They use their skills and talents to add something useful and positive to the conversation. Artist and illustrator James Gurney it that type of innovator.
Gurney transforms his world into this world...
And he tells us all about the process here...
Nov 19
Illustration
If computers were to disappear tomorrow Randy Glass would still be in business. As he explains it, “All of my illustrations are hand-drawn (no computer enhancement).”
Glass is a master of, among other techniques, stippling—defined as the process of “marking (a surface) with numerous small dots or specks.” A technique that is especially favored in the newspaper world—where paper quality sometimes adversely effects reproduction quality (a well executed stippled image prints more clearly). He, like Noli Novak (mentioned in a Feb 14, 07 posting) also produces the stippled portraits made famous by the Wall Street Journal.
A product shot...
A gallery of his WSJ illustrations. Check out how the dots radiate from the eye (center portrait)...
Oct 24
Illustration
I was blathering on about the intricacies of technical illustration to friend and client Gil Chotam recently when he pointed me to Kevin Hulsey's site (guess Gil knows a little about the subject as well). I am new to Hulsey's work, it is extraordinary. And his site is the embodiment of that work--a virtual cutaway of his thought process. Even the layout is info-centric, to the extent that he lists contact details at the top of the page (makes sense to me) and includes the monitor color calibration settings under which the images are proofed.
An example of his work...
To me, the best part is the tutorials...
And his comprehensive approach to sharing information...
From a business standpoint, these pages are worth a look...
Get a cup of coffee, here's the sitemap...
Oct 17
Illustration
This is going to sound over the top but Mike McConnell's illustrations leave me with a sense of well being. They look as if he honestly enjoys his work and that, to me, is an enormous accomplishment.
David's menu...
Way to go...
Oct 10
Illustration
Hal Mayforth has been building a universe of characters for a bunch of years. What is so interesting about his work is how it continues to evolve. He pushes and experiments and changes direction in ways that keep his characters and concepts fresh. Hope I can do that when I grow up.
Hal Mayforth's site...
His blog at Drawger...
Oct 8
Illustration
Asked to choose from two doors, one labeled “simplicity” and one labled “complexity”, I'm guessing most of us would choose the simple side. Complexity has a poor reputation. A trip to visualcomplexity.com, a creation of information architect Manuel Lima, may not change your perception, but it can't help but boost your appreciation for the art of defining concepts and expressing data through imagery.
Visualcomplexity.com...
An example: The Mammal Supertree...
Manuel Lima's portfolio...
Sep 17
Illustration
When I came across these illustrations by Gary Alphonso, I was struck by how beautifully composed they were and by his the striking color choices.
Illustrator, Gary Alphonso (click the copper colored arrows to his entire portfolio)...
My big list of illustration resources at Jumpola.com...
Sep 3
Illustration
I love new, I love old. Here is a wonderful compilation of works by some of the most gifted illustrators of the last 100 years. The site is the gift of Paul Giambarba—a designer and illustrator with an impressive resume of his own.
100 years of illustration...
A look at one of my favorites, Howard Pyle...
New in the Ideabook Design Store: Creative Advertising...
Aug 10
Illustration
Labeling this guy an illustrator doesn't do him justice. He is a hell of a designer as well. If that weren't enough, he is also a master of the type of ornate organic filigree stuff you see popping up all over. I like the deep, leathery feel of some of his designs and illustrations. And the fact that he turns right around, does a head fake, and creates something bright and simple.
Cerriteño's illustration portfolio...
His design portfolio...
And his blog...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Before & After: Page Design...
Aug 3
Illustration
I doubt my junior high mechanical drawing teacher ever even dreamed about this type of isometric drawing. The reason it appeals so much to me, I think, is that it expresses the asymmetrical in a structured form. That make sense? In any case, Lee Hasler (who spends at least some of his time parading around town on a tractor) produces some great work.
One of Hasler's illustrations (isolated)...
The Eyeport site with Hasler's portfolio (the numbered row at the top)...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Brenner Pricing Tables...
Aug 1
Illustration
Collaboration is no easy thing—especially for designers. I admire the way Gina Triplett and Matt Curtius combine their talents to produce such unique images.
One example...
A menu of their work...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Moleskine Notebooks...
Jul 27
Illustration
Greg Newbold is a storyteller. His illustrations have a warmth and spirit that make them an obvious choice for fiction and editorial projects, so I especially like seeing them used for commercial application. It's unexpected.
An example of one of Newbold's illustrations used for advertising...
His portfolio...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines...
Jul 23
Illustration
My first job in design, a stint as the news artist for WTTG TV in Washington, DC, established a my deep-rooted interest in information graphics. Here is a wonderful series that illustrates the chronology of the Museo Nacional Centro De Arted Reina Sofia in Madrid.
Click “Cronologia” and use the arrows below the text to step through...
If you don't have time for a visit, here is a virtual tour of the museum...
New in the Ideabook Design Store: Creative Advertising...
Jul 6
Illustration
One reason some motion pictures are so compelling to so many is the fact that they effectively mix reality with magic. This illustration by John Maggard is a wonderful example of how the mixture of fantasy and fact can be used to demonstrate how products work and how services are rendered.
Maggard's illustration (isolated) ...
Within the context of the page on which it was found...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Before & After: Page Design...
Jun 25
Illustration
There are some really nice things happening with the illustrations at tnvacation.com. I particularly like the screen dot pattern in the backgrounds of many of the images, the woodblock type, and the subtle changes in color and content as you rollover images. My hat is off to the illustrator. I was unable to nail down a name.
One of many illustrations...
Note how the main photographs are overlaid with graphics...
You could design a site around this type of image alone...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Before & After: Graphics For Business...
May 23
Illustration
Is "vectorization" a word? If so, this page personifies it. I like the simple shapes and fresh colors. In the proper context, defining an illustration style and using it throughout is a smart, frugal way to design. You can represent any concept and keep it within the boundaries of the design.
The cover page...
A second level page...
If you're not up to speed on vectors...
New in the Ideabook Design Store: Creative Advertising...
May 9
Illustration
A good writer cultivates an approach to examining a subject and develops a unique set of skills for expressing their ideas about it. This illustrator, to me, offers that same type of methodical, thoughtful approach.
Josh Cochran...
May 7
Illustration
Designer Eddie Jabbour demonstrates how eliminating data can actually improve communication.
Eddie Jabbour's NYC subway map...
Apr 25
Illustration
Kevin Cornell illustrates the often complex ideas addressed at A List Apart Magazine—an online publication that “explores the design, development, and meaning of Web content, with a special focus on Web standards and best practices.” He does a wonderful job of revealing the key point.
Kevin Cornell's Web...
An example of his illustrations on A List Apart...
Apr 16
Illustration
Von Glitschka says, “I got into design because of my fear of math.” Most of what you will find on The Illustrative Designer is painted in that same spirit. Von shares interviews (via Podcast) with illustrators and designers such as Paul Howalt and Bill Gardner. As he explains it, “I thought it would be fun to interview other creative minds and talk shop. It seems like most artists tend to do this when they meet up anyway so why not do the same thing but in podcast form and let everyone have a listen in on the conversation.” I agree.
For the math-challenged...
Apr 9
Illustration
It is difficult to categorize Marian a’s work and she doesn’t offer much help. In the section of her Web titled “What I say about myself,” she describes herself as a, “lapsed Graphic Designer” then denies it in the next sentence. My easy-out is to call it illustration and to describe her work as symmetrical asymmetry—in any case, I like it.
The Influence Map...
More projects...
Mar 30
Illustration
Just ran across these wonderful blockprints created by illustrator Mona Caron for Odell Brewing Co.
Blockprints by Mona Caron...
Mar 12
Illustration
If you, like me, are fascinated with the process of communicating ideas visually, this “A Periodic Table of Visualization Methods” is worth a look. If you are REALLY interested—you can read a
The table...
The accompanying paper...
Mar 7
Illustration
Before Photoshop and other digital editing software, photo retouchers mounted a photographic print on a board and retouched it using, among other techniques, an airbrush—its virtual version is a mainstay of the Photoshop toolbox. Many talented folks made the transition to the digital platform and still practice their magic today. One of those is Lee Stokes. This page shows an example of the various pieces he uses to compile a complex image and the result.
Lee Stokes, the retoucher...
Feb 23
Illustration
Use your imagination—if you have the budget, there are some very interesting commercial applications for these stunning, lifelike figures. Gene Poor's LifeFormations is a leading producer of highly realistic museum figures—static and animatronics. I first saw their work on a C-SPAN broadcast surrounding the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. What captured my interest was the fact that visitors can stand right next to these incredibly detailed, life-sized figures in the middle of the museums plaza.
As they stand in the museum...
The LifeFormations site...
Feb 19
Illustration
Threadless is a perpetual tee shirt design competition. Creators Jake Nickell and Jacob DeHart came up with the idea after Jake won a similar competition. Submit your illustration and you could come away with a prize that, at this writing, is worth $2000.
Threadless...
Feb 14
Illustration
Noli Novak is one of the artists behind the Wall Street Journal's signature stipple illustration style. She's been creating portraits for the paper since 1987.
Novak's site...
An exhibit surrounding the WSJ style at the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery...
Feb 9
Illustration
About his work, Kristain Olson says, “I want my work to look alien, or foreign, or just beautiful, to remind (the viewer) of a world they don't understand but are fascinated by.” He hit the nail on the head.
Kristain Olson's Web...
A close-up showing some of the mind boggling detail.
A close-up...
Dec 27
Illustration
Great idea. Spike your next presentation with The New Yorker sense of humor. You can also license these smart, funny cartoons for newsletters, Websites, and other print and electronic marketing materials.
New Yorker cartoons...
Dec 22
Illustration
Tom Richmond, best known for his work for Mad Magazine, characterizes himself as a “humorous illustrator”—you'll see what he means.
An example of his work...
And one of his portfolio pages...
Dec 6
Illustration
Someone obviously was jumping on the kitchen floor when Von Glitschka's soufflé was rising. This guy is not only a top-notch illustrator, his Web is among the best designed, most functional I've seen. Take a close look at all that's happening—it is a good lesson in interface design. I especially like the “Annoy-O-Matic” and “Fun With Toast” under the “Animate” button.
www.vonster.com
Dec 4
Illustration
Von Glitschka offers some of the “teach by example” lessons he shared with a digital illustration class at a local college. He explains, “I quickly realized the way my students learned best was when I demonstrated a process. I literally showed them how to go about doing a creative task and commented on it. This led me into developing numerous step by steps...”
www.illustrationclass.com
Dec 1
Illustration
If you have ever attempted to design a set of icons, you are certain to appreciate the talents of those who specialize in it.
www.iconbuffet.com
Nov 24
Illustration
While we're on the subject—here are some talented map makers.
www.mapformation.com
www.springercartographics.com
www.mapillustrations.com.au
Nov 20
Illustration
There is a wonderfully casual feel to Derek Grinnell's illustrations.
His portfolio...
Nov 1
Illustration
One of my long-time favorite illustrators, Don Barnett, has a “gentle” style and design sense. His clients range from Nintendo to Nordstrom.
www.donbarnett.com
Sep 8
Illustration
If you appreciate a good map, you'll want to download one of these samples from Map Resources and play with it. They publish royalty-free digital maps in Adobe Illustrator vector format. I was impressed by the level of detail and the number of layers.
http://www.mapresources.com/samplemaps.asp
Sep 4
Illustration
I also happened across this example of a citation created by gifted calligrapher John Stevens. It rather dramatically shows the stark difference between computer fonts and the organic quality of great calligraphy. As John so eloquently states: “The life of writing as understood by calligraphers...is nothing like a computer font. One can 'feel' the difference. Fonts try to imitate this look and feel, but to the aware eye, there is no comparison.”
http://www.johnstevensdesign.com/newpages/uzbek.html
Sep 1
Illustration
Olivier Kugler—A wonderful storyteller
http://www.olivierkugler.com
One of my favorites
http://www.olivierkugler.com/c50/images/b02la.gif
Aug 28
Illustration
Chris Sickels (Red Nose Studio)—And now for something a little different.
http://www.rednosestudio.com/
Aug 18
Illustration
Some nice examples of vector illustration.
http://www.arthurmount.com
May 19
Illustration
To my way of thinking, Steve Lyons is a digital illustration and design pioneer. You've seen his work on everything from Adobe marketing materials (everything he does is an ad for Illustrator and Photoshop) to the pages of The Wall Street Journal and the cover of Newsweek.
http://www.stevenlyons.com/site06/pages/assignment.php
May 12
Illustration
Nancy Stahl is an Illustrator (Adobe) illustrator. I first saw her work in The Illustrator Wow! Book—pretty good indication you know what you're doing when teachers teach using your work as an example.
http://www.nancystahl.com
Apr 19
Illustration
Michael Doret's work would look familiar even if you hadn't seen it before, as he puts it, “The work falls into the tradition of, and has as it's inspiration such diverse sources as matchbook covers, theater marquees, enamel signs, early and mid-20th century packaging, and various other artifacts of US Pop Culture.” Check out his Time Magazine covers and other feats of design.
http://www.michaeldoret.com/doret/artwork/oilgame.html
Apr 10
Illustration
Derek Yaniger's illustration style (as he characterizes it is “reminiscent of cocktail napkin art of the 50's.” I think he's being modest. I haven't seen much in the way of new illustration collections lately—it's good to find this one.
http://www.misterretro.com/index.html
Apr 5
Illustration
Luciole Circus is a colorful little world of claymation figures created by illustrator Josephine Pujos. I love the design and art but I want you to see it because I think she has created something unique. Her technique of using small windows filled with logo-like headlines and animated 3D figures demonstrates that there is always an innovative approach to be found it if I only have the patience to uncover it.
http://mixeurgraphic.free.fr/circus/#
Mar 31
Illustration
I like it. Jack Unruh adds emphasis to specific elements of his works by adding or subtracting detail and color, and by portraying some elements as real and others as dreamlike. Fascinating stuff.
http://www.jackunruh.com/home.html
Mar 27
Illustration
If you use Google's search engine you've probably notice they add a little something extra to the Google logo from time to time to celebrate a special event or holiday. But have you noticed some of the more obscure dates they celebrate such as Monet's birthday and the 50th Anniversary of Understanding DNA? Here's an archive:
http://www.google.com/holidaylogos.html
Mar 22
Illustration
In her bio, Simone Zahradka characterizes her work as “inspired by carnivals, kitsch, love, chaos, circuses, garbage, pop culture, folk art, and 60's style”—if that doesn't pique your interest, nothing will.
http://www.szahradka.com/h
Mar 17
Illustration
Storyopolis is a unique art gallery and bookstore that showcases the best in storybook illustration.
Pierre Pratt
C.F. Payne
Dan Santat
Mar 15
Illustration
Until I stumbled across his Web site the other evening I didn't know designer Michael Schwab created the bold, bright icons for the National Park Service I have hanging on the walls of my home. (You'll see a few here—Alcatraz, Fort Point, and Muir Woods.) Tell me what you think.
http://www.michaelschwab.com/portfolio/posters/posters.html
Mar 10
Illustration
I've used Image Club clip art for many of the designs I create for books and Web sites over the years so I was sad to see the collections disappear from the scene when Eyewire was acquired. Good news: the Image Club collections are back—by the piece and by the collection.
http://www.fotosearch.com/image-club/
For example, the illustration of the jukebox on this page:
http://www.ideabook.com/001_art/inside_art.htm
Can be had here:
http://www.fotosearch.com/ICL147/mus_086c/
Feb 10
Illustration
For someone who would rather look at pictures than read, this site kept me busy for a couple of hours. I'm always fascinated to see how well a good illustrator can express a complex idea, stir my emotions, and even get me to chuckle. This site features some of the best.
Start at the beginning...
Or jump to a particular category such as “comic”
Keep your eye on the Web site designs—you’ll discover lots of creative ways to present your portfolio.
Jan 30
Illustration
I stumbled across Joel's portfolio and didn't stop looking until I had seen it all—I love it (I don't have the slightest idea what it all means but I love it).
http://www.joelnakamura.com/portfolio/portfr.html
Jan 25
Illustration
I love the story quality of this highly-illustrated style of advertising—what someone once described as provoking a “Hey, what's happening here?” reaction. Makes me wonder how I might integrate a modern version of the technique into my own work. EphemeraNow.com treats us to a whole collection of great images.
An example...
The index...
Dec 16
Illustration
Simple looking/sounding communication is complicated to produce. XPLANE specializes in turning complex business issues into easy to understand visual explanations. I suggest it in the hope that it will trip the same switch for you as it did for me. Marketing futures are brightest for those who are able to reduce their message to its essence.
http://xplane.com/xplanations/executive/
Dec 2
Illustration
And now for something completely different:
http://www.ledpants.com/NEWoldsite/index.html
