Mar 8
Reference
As every graphic designer knows, you are not free to simply add an illustration or photograph to a brochure or web site without first knowing who owns it and what rights they have to it. Some images are copyrighted—which means the owner dictates how it can be used. Others are copyright-free or their copyrights have expired (generally referred to as being in the public domain)—which means (in most cases) you are free to use it without permission.
The good news is there are millions of public domain images available for use&mdashthe bad news is it isn't always easy to distinguish what is protected and what isn't.
All that said, I have compiled a few pages that point to the issues and one that will get you started finding what you're looking for.
This recent article by John Mark Ockerbloom of the University of Pennsylvania Libraries—Shedding light on images in the public domain—offers a good introduction...
Peter B. Hirtle of Cornell University provides a useful overview of the current laws: Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States...
With that information in mind, you should be sufficiently armed to wander around Wikipedia's "wild west" of public domain image resources—there's lots of opportunity there but travel the territory with caution. (Just because it's listed doesn't mean it's safe to use.)...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Mar 1
Illustration
I really like these blueprint-like illustrations created by Paul Kepple and Scotty Reifsnyder at Headcase Design. You may have seen them in books published by, among others, Quirk Books.
Example 1...
Example 2...
Example 3...
Headcase front door...
The weird world of Quirk Books...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Feb 22
Illustration
I really like Nik's wonderful information-rich illustrations. Work from his studio, L-Dopa Design + Illustration, has appeared in an impressive lineup of publications including Popular Science, Make, and Wired.
Example 1...
Example 2...
Example 3...
Example 4...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Feb 15
Illustration
Here is some great insight into icon design from someone who knows a fair amount about it. Before starting his sole proprietorship, Felix Sockwell was the Design Director and co-founder of the Ogilvy, The Brand Integration Group—not bad credentials. As you will see, he has an amazing talent for condensing ideas into icons and illustrations. Be sure to see his portfolio, it is wide and deep.
Sockwell's show and tell about the development of icons for Real Simple magazine ...
Another project for The International Herald Tribune...
Sockwell's portfolio...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Feb 12
Ideas 101
Eric Baker started out spending 30 minutes each morning finding and sending odd and interesting images to a friend online—a good idea soon draws a crowd. If you need an occasional creative nudge, check out Eric Baker's Today, it just may do the trick.
Baker's first post from October 2008—Today on designobserver.com...
A recent example...
The archive...
Baker is one of the principals at The O Group. Their portfolio...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Feb 1
Illustration
What first drew me to Nigel Buchanan's illustrations was how adeptly he tells a story. They are, at once, striking, unusual, and technically interesting.
But he really got me wondering about the tools he uses to create his illustrations--it looks like he uses an old-fashioned mechanical airbrush but they also have a distinctive digital quality about them. So I asked.
He tells me he primarily uses Adobe Photoshop--at times creating images with as many as 100 layers. If the illustration includes elements such as typography or mechanical-looking items he might also incorporate Adobe Illustrator. "I used an (mechanical) airbrush years ago," Buchanan says, "and the computer technique I use now employs the same principles; paths as masks and a pressure sensitive stylus."
But here's the takeaway for young illustrators: his emphasis is on creating a clear concept and a beautiful drawing to work from. "It is too easy to rely on computer programs (and filters or trace tools) to make an illustration look acceptable. What many illustrators forget is that it's the strength of the image and the idea behind it that makes an illustration successful."
Well said.
Example 1...
Example 2...
Example 3...
An interview with the artist...
Buchanan's site...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Jan 29
Web Design
It is sometimes referred to as 2.5D animation, sometimes as pseudo-3D, this technique involves creating a series of 2D images separated into layers and animating them simulating film moves such as trucking and zooming. It can be elaborate or simple but either way it's eye-catching.
Thanks to Twitter friends Joel Wires, Paul Casper, PJ Cassel, Jean-Claude Tremblay, Filmjr, Harold Thompson, Jesse Gardner, Ken Fisher, and others for helping me research this...
Example 1: This is the sequence that first got me interested in digging into the subject (the opening sequence from the Luck Development Partners site)...
Example 2: Jesse Gardner points us to the VISA "Trip for Life" TV Spot...
Example 3: Ken Fisher points us to a very cool variation using CSS...
Example 4: The opening from the Showtime's United States of Tara...
And here's a tutorial from Chris Gates at Digital Juice that lays out the process of creating a 2.5D animation using Photoshop and After Effects...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Jan 18
Illustration
Kevin Kelly's illustrations caught my eye. I like them, they feel new and different and are obviously well-crafted.
Example 1...
Example 2...
Example 3...
Kelly's site, Pixel Pusher Design...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Jan 13
Ideas 101
Copywriter Jessica Hagy explains ThisIsIndexed.com as "...A little project that lets me make fun of some things and sense of others. I use it to think a little more relationally without resorting to doing actual math."
Her big collection of little diagrams is well worth a look.
ThisIsIndexed.com...
Explanation of a Venn diagram (relations between groups)...
An interview with the author and copywriter Jessica Hagy...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Dec 28
Illustration
At one time or another Bill Nelson's rich, beautifully detailed color pencil illustrations have appeared on the pages of most of the major publications I can think of. But they are by no means the whole story. Bill also has a passion for 3D work--ventriloquist figures, dolls, masks, and so on.
I've known Bill for many years and just caught back up with him recently. It recalled several times when I had the privilege of sitting in his studio and watching him work his magic on paper. It's great to see all the wonderful work he has produced in recent years.
Bill Nelson's signature style...
Ventiloquist figures...
Studied portraits...
Exaggerated, "pushed" portraits...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Dec 14
Illustration
I admire Chris Whetzel's thoughtful ideas and the bright, sharp shapes of his illustrations. If you haven't worked with an illustrator before, his blog posts also teach a bit about the typical interchange between and illustrator and his or her client.
An project example including the rough cut...
Whetzel's portfolio...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Nov 27
Illustration
McConnell & Borow creates props, displays, and editorial illustrations for a long list of clients including Absolut, AT&T, IBM, and so on.
Fooling the eye...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Nov 13
Illustration
My interest in the aspects of graphic design that can be "proved" continues to grow. By "proved" I mean visual and informational structures that are actually based on some type underlying formula.
I thought this article was particularly intriguing: "The mathematics behind the Droste effect." It poses that when M.C. Escher drew his Print Gallery, he was, without realizing it, following a rather complex mathematical formula.
It reminded me of our discussion a few months ago about whether there exists some type of "design DNA" that we do not yet understand.
Seb Przd's conformal mapping imagery...
More from Seb Przd...
The mathematics behind the Droste effect...
12-page illustrated article "Artful Mathematics: The
Heritage of M. C. Escher" from the American Mathmatical Society (1.8MB PDF)...
Our earlier discussion, "Is there such a thing as design DNA?"...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Nov 9
Illustration
If you want some terrific presentation inspiration, head over to The Art of the Title Sequence. It demonstrates how top film title designers, past and present, combine pictures with words to communicate ideas in thoughtful and intriguing ways.
While there, check out the wonderful collection of alphabet posters created for the film Coraline. Take note of how each letter of the alphabet is modified to provide a secondary meaning.
These are the titles for Coraline...
For fun... the Coraline movie site...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Nov 6
Illustration
I recently mentioned Pictorial Webster's: A Visual Dictionary of Curiosities and received a heads-up about another great resource from Caroline Fortin, Publisher of QA International. She referred us to The Visual Dictionary Online--an interactive dictionary with a long history and a futuristic approach.
"From the image to the word and its definition, the Visual Dictionary Online is an all-in-one reference. Search the themes to quickly locate words, or find the meaning of a word by viewing the image it represents."
Very cool.
Example 1...
Example 2...
Try it out. Choose a theme and drill down to a specific subject...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Nov 4
Illustration
The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) offers a two-year course of study that centers on the creation and dissemination of comics, graphic novels and other manifestations of the visual narrative. It's curriculum of art, graphic design, and literature reflect the wide array of skills needed to create comics and graphic novels. CCS emphasizes self-publishing and prepares its students to publish, market, and disseminate their work.
The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS)...
Download a free copy of CCS's How To Brochure (3.63MB PDF)...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Nov 2
Basic design
Next time you are brainstorming an advertising or marketing piece, consider the idea of using an illusion to illustrate your point. I'm thinking, if you find just the right illusion (something somehow related to your topic) and write a thoughtful tie-in for it, you'd have a built-in reason for people to stop, look, and get interested.
Thanks to my brother Jim Green for sending me this link to the 2009 Finalists of the Best Visual Illusion of the Year Contest.
The 2009 finalists...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Oct 30
Illustration
In the last five years Yuko Shimizu and her work has been written about in all the major design and illustration publications. If you are unfamiliar with her illustrations, you'll soon see what all the fuss is about. She has a distinct style and a real talent for dream-like storytelling.
Example 1...
Example 2...
Example 3...
This is Shimizu's site (includes R-rated material)...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Oct 26
Illustration
Pictorial Webster's: A Visual Dictionary of Curiosities is a book compiled by John M. Carrera. It features over 1,500 engravings that originally graced the pages of Webster's dictionaries in the 19th century. Here is a fascinating look at the production of the book and the story behind it.
An overview of the project via video. Pictorial Webster's: Inspiration to Completion...
A discussion of the project at Quercus Press...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Sep 30
Typography
Just when I have fooled myself into thinking I have some type of handle on the scope of what designers are designing, I come across something like this. These organic, three-dimensional typographic illustrations by designer Luca Ionescu of Like Minded Studio redefine (to me) what is possible. Old dog. New trick?
Example 1: from Texas Monthly magazine...
Example 2... (Full post)
Like Minded Studio...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Sep 28
Illustration
While we're on the subject of innovative informational design (my previous post), take a look at Newsmap—an application that "visually reflects the constantly changing landscape of the Google News news aggregator."
It is the brainchild of design engineer Marcos Weskamp.
Newsmap...
The Newsmap Blog...
Marcos Weskamp's web...
Not surprising Weskamp is also a Senior User Experience Designer for the Adobe Index group...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Sep 25
Illustration
Beginning in 2005 Seed Magazine began publishing a series of what they label "cribsheets." The formal explanation goes like this: "Scientific issues and innovations are figuring into everyday conversation more than ever before. Recognizing that we could all use some brushing up, Seed offers its Cribsheet."
It appears the last edition (#18 Biofuels) appeared in 2008. The series is both interesting and innovate for its content and design.
Cribsheet #9 String Theory...
Cribsheet #7 Extinction...
Cribsheet #11 Plate Tectonics...
Most of the illustrations (all those I point to here) are credited to Cybu Richli who shares a practice with Fabienne Burri at C2F...
SEED Magazine...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Sep 21
Illustration
I don't have a clue about the subject matter here but Aaron Horkey's illustrations and hand-lettered word groupings are fabulous.
BTW, anyone know of an official term for the assembly of individual words into a composition—the process of putting together the pieces of the puzzle? Seems as if there should be a term for it other than "word grouping."
Example one...
Example two...
His portfolio on Rock of Eye...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Sep 18
Print Design
That is the beauty of the web—every so often you stumble on something really phenomenal. My latest happy discovery is this amazing collection of posters, photos and prints from the collection of Jaap Best, the Netherlands' largest collection of circus memorabilia. 3,500 colour lithographs and thousands of other pieces. Amazing stuff.
Circusmuseum.nl—the collection of Jaap Best, the Netherlands' largest collection of circus memorabilia...
The Circusmuseum.nl cover page...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Aug 17
Illustration
John Solimine is Spike Press. Spike Press is John Solimine. Seems as if everyone has recognized him in the last couple of years--Communication Arts, Coudal Partners, illustrationMUNDO, Lettercult, and so on.
I was particularly impressed by his poster designs...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Aug 10
Illustration
Alison Carmichael has a wonderful gift for all types of lettering design. You can see the depth of her talent under "Poster ads."
See "Poster ads"...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Aug 3
Ideas 101
True passion is rare.
Much creative energy and expertise is expended moving value from one hand to the other. That's not a criticism--commerce makes lots of good things possible--I am a card carrying member of the commerce thing. But I can't help but take special notice when I encounter expressions of interest and involvement that appear at least, to have grown out of a pure devotion to its subject.
I see that in a new publication--UPPERCASE magazine (2009). A magazine? Are you kidding?! Who starts a magazine in the year of Twitter? People with passion do--their names are Janine Vangool and Deidre Martin and they've enlisted the help of an eclectic collection of talented contributors--designers, illustrators, photographers, typographers, writers, and others.
The purpose of UPPERCASE is to take a look at the creative process from all angles: profiling creatives, peeking into work environments, pointing to examples of styles and palettes, uncovering interesting ephemera--they even devote a section of the magazine to brief profiles of five or six of their subscribers--an approach that (to me) demonstrates something important about their thinking.
Enough with the accolades--at this point you probably think these are relatives of mine--they aren't, I have no connection with them whatsoever. But I can tell you the first thing I did after closing the last page was to go online and subscribe. I figure that when you find a passion you share, you should support it.
UPPERCASE Magazine: Issue 2 preview...
The magazine is just part of the mix, their web includes lots of interesting material...
Their blog...
You can buy the current issue or subscribe here...
Once you've seen it, I'd love to hear your comments below...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Jul 29
Illustration
Can't believe I missed this before now. As the developers of these unbelievable maps explain, "In the future, every city will have a corresponding 3-D virtual city (E-city), where the population, geography, and commerce will be extended from the real city." Here is what they have in mind.
The illustrated city of Fuzhou...
The city of Beijing...
The city of Hong Kong labeled in English...
The Edushi cover page with access to many city illustrations...
About the project...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Jul 24
Typography
While we're on the subject of ephemera (my post on Monday). How would you use it? Well, one way certainly is to choose parts and pieces as influence and inspiration. Another way is to recast it in a new light. That is what Lorenzo Petrantoni does. In fact, in a profile on his philosophy in Communication Arts, he says, "I love old books. I want to bring them back to life, discover their stories and tell the present through the past."
A Petrantoni illustration for The New York Times Magazine...
The profile of Petrantoni at commarts.com...
Lorenzo Petrantoni's web...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Jul 15
Basic design
Historic Stock Market is an international online-market for historical shares, old stocks, bonds, and financial documents. Their collection includes at least 20,000 old stock and bond certificates, many of which include elaborate illustrations, ornate typography, and/or highly complex borders and patterns. This is one place to remember when you need some graphic design inspiration.
Look at the meticulously crafted filigree on this 1920s British certificate...
and this French certificate from the 1890s...
If you're interested in exploring further...
Another excellent source: George H. LaBarre Galleries...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Jun 17
Illustration
Catalina Estrada is an illustrator who has turned her illustrations into a small industry. Some applications of her intricate repeat patterns and icons are used to draw attention to another product, service, or idea--others make her illustrations the product itself. An important distinction.
If you've read this blog for more than a few months you know that, to me, commercial graphic design is not self-expression. This is an excellent example of the exception--how a designer or illustrator can successfully segregate professional and personal focus.
Catalina Estrada...
Estrada's bio and some downloads are featured on her rep's site...
Estrada's clothing line for Levis...
Her web site...
And another fashion site...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Jun 15
Illustration
It is, "the run-of-the-mill stuff that keeps the mill running." That's not a dig--I say it with great respect and affection. This is the type of work that rarely commands the recognition high-profile advertising work does, but that is often more consequential because of the much needed information it imparts. Hats off.
Jim Kopp...
Joe Saputo...
John Hartman...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Jun 12
Illustration
I love how he recasts this type of retro style with vivid colors, hard shapes, and surprising perspectives.
A dreamlike bon voyage ...
Another surprising perspective...
Drama!...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Subscribe to the newsletter
Jun 5
Illustration
I'm sure you've read about Tokyo street style. And that the world fashion industry keeps an eye on how young people are dressing there--that it is one of those places from which designers draw inspiration.
Anna Rusakova reminds us that we need to keep our eyes open for inspiration everywhere. Though this might not be your style, I doubt you would disagree that she has a wonderful sense of her's. She creates fascinating illustrated Moleskine notebooks and presents them within an eclectic kind of color palette-interior design-fashion environment kind of thing that makes it all work.
I just found it very interesting that all these pieces, even the way she has organized and photographed a selection of candies, seems to establish a very clear sense of style.
What do you call this mix of design, illustration, fashion, place, and typography? Is there a better description than simply "style?"
Candies...
Anna Rusakova's Moleska...
An interior design vibe...
And a fashion component...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Find this useful? Subscribe here
Jun 3
Shopping
When it comes to illustration, Bob Staake is the top tier. His list of corporate clients includes names such as Sony, Disney, and Hallmark; Publishers such as Random House, Simon + Schuster, and Scholastic; Publications such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and Barron's.
His finished color illustrations command thousands of dollars, but you can buy an original, signed Staake doodle that you design for $40? Yup, no kidding. To me, one of the coolest, most unusual gifts you could get or give. (I know this sounds like an advertisement but nope, no commission, don't know Bob Staake.)
Bob Staake's Doodlekaboodle samples...
The order form...
Some examples of Staake's work...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Find this useful? Subscribe here
May 18
Illustration
You can enjoy this site on two levels. First by exploring the fabulously rich visual environment and the vast network it opens doors to. Second, to read some interesting theories about where planet earth and our universe is headed. Genuine "wow" stuff.
And now: a little visual stimulation...
Don't miss the fact that, as of this writing, there are six pages in the gallery. (There is navigation at the very bottom of each page.)
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Find this useful? Subscribe here
May 8
Illustration
When I was a kid, my father had a subscription to the New Yorker. I would always study the covers and remember thinking how amateurish the illustrations were. My young eyes did not appreciate the insight and restraint it takes to create great illustrations (I even wrote to them offering my services but never heard back).
Christoph Niemann understands whatever it is that equips you to see the world as a series of little stories. He is the quintessential idea animator.
Abstract City, Niemann's blog for the New York Times web...
Niemann's portfolio...
Niemann's The Pet Dragon: A Story about Adventure, Friendship, and Chinese Characters ...
Visit the Ideabook.com Store | Find this useful? Subscribe here
Mar 4
Illustration
Eamo has a penchant for fluid, complex lines and an acid-hot color palette. Nice stuff.
Eamo's portfolio...
And his blog...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Design-It-Yourself: Graphic Workshop...
Feb 25
Illustration
You'll find Edwin Fotheringham's illustrations all over the web and on everything from books to billboards. Stylistically they are (to me), at the same time, both old and new. Love his web design (last link).
A retail application...
an editorial example...
His web portfolio...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Moleskine Notebooks...
Dec 31
Illustration
Frank Chimero does. Where I might be tempted to add another layer of imagery and/or explanation to these illustrations, he is confident enough to hold back. That "sense of subtraction" is one of the most important skills a designer can possess.
One of Chimero's posters aimed at inspiring designers...
And his portfolio...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Before & After: Page Design...
Dec 22
Illustration
Charmingwall.com bills itself as, "A New York gallery specializing in a curated selection of open-edition fine art prints." What I want to show you is how they establish a foundational illustration and take you to the different site categories by modifying that illustration. A solid idea that could be reinterpreted in many different ways.
Charmingwall.com...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Templates for InDesign, QuarkXpress, or PageMaker...
Dec 17
Illustration
Isn't that what faux drop shadows and reflections are all about? Russian designer Yulia Brodskaya did just that by creating a series of three-dimensional cut-paper illustrations for G2, a supplement of the British newspaper the Guardian.
An example from G2...
Brodskaya's illustration portfolio...
NEW in the Ideabook Design Store: Tintbook CMYK Process Color Selector...
Nov 24
Illustration
I saw one of Serge Bloch's illustrations in a magazine the other day and looked him up. I really like the idea of combining objects with illustrations and I wanted to see if he had done other projects using that same technique. He has. Here are a few examples.
The basic idea is to combine an object with an illustration...
Another nice example...
And something a little more complex...
Serge Bloch's portfolio...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Design-It-Yourself: Graphic Workshop...
Nov 10
Illustration
Don't get sidetracked with the joke here, this reality version of Photoshop communicates, without words, what a powerful software program Photoshop is. This idea of recasting a cold subject (software) in warm terms (boxes and cups of paint) helps the reader think about the subject in another way. Next question: How can I use the idea of substitution in my next project? Thanks to cartoonist George Coghill for pointing me to it.
Recasting Photoshop...
New in the Ideabook Design Store: Creative Advertising...
Oct 29
Illustration
Barnacle Press is a rather odd source worth knowing--odd because it seems rather anonymous and covers some material that is not easily divided by two. Dig in and you'll find lots of ideas about communicating and comic illustration.
Comics 1.0 from Barnacle Press...
A Rube Goldberg classic...
Papercraft toys are from the LA Times...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color...
Oct 22
Illustration
For my money David O'Keefe is the world's top 3D caricaturist. His sculptures are absolutely spot on—at once, humorous and revealing. They have appeared on the covers of Sports Illustrated, Mad Magazine, The Village Voice, within the pages of TIME, and so on.
An example of David O'Keefe's sculpture, in this case, of David Letterman...
O'Keefe's sculpture menu...
David O'Keefe Studio cover...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Templates for InDesign, QuarkXpress, or PageMaker...
Aug 22
Illustration
If you have ever needed a detailed, accurate map for a project you know that, though there are maps galore on the web, finding and licensing one can be a complicated proposition. That's why I want to point to a recently launched rights-managed and royalty-free map resource from GeoNova Publishing, Inc.—StockMaps.com. They offer base maps for custom map creation and what they characterize as "market-ready maps for media, marketing, publishing and display." GeoNova Publishing is a Discovery Communications / HowStuffWorks company.
A new resource for maps...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Brenner Pricing Tables...
Aug 1
Illustration
It's been a long time since I've come across a large collection of black and white vector silhouettes. These remind me of the material offered by Ultimate Symbol. Both are worth a look.
Examples of Neubauladen vector illustrations (and fonts)...
An index of the Neubauladen images...
The Ultimate Symbol Collection...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Before & After: Page Design...
Jul 30
Illustration
I don't often point to my own work but I think this is a nice solution to complex problem. Click2Mail offers a system for creating, personalizing, producing, and mailing print materials such as brochures, postcards, and letters. To explain how it works, we created a big-picture diagram and added mouse-over captions that provide in depth information to those who want it.
Click2Mail, how it works...
In the Ideabook Design Store: The Color Harmony Guide...
Jul 7
Illustration
ITEDO Software develops products for the creation and viewing of technical illustrations and they offer an “information portal for technical illustration.” It features an in depth collection of tips and tricks for producing illustrations including labeling drawings, shadowing of lines, and so on.
Here are the tips and tricks...
And the gallery...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Task Force Clip Art...
Jun 13
Illustration
Don't like the world as it is? Quit blubbering and make your own. That's what Ross MacDonald does. Some paint, a few printing presses, and an active imagination make his world one step outside the hopscotch of reality. Ross MacDonald is a renowned illustrator, an gifted cartoonist, a talented letterpress printer, a successful children's book illustrator, and (perhaps most interesting) an accomplished movie prop engineer.
His movie props portfolio...
And the whole bigtop...
In the Ideabook Design Store: Before & After: Page Design...
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
