Illustration (a Theoretical And Contextual Perspective)

By (author) Male, Alan
Short description/annotation
Introduces the concept of the illustrator as a specialist or authority on a particular subject or as an originator of either fiction and/or non-fiction material. This book focuses on illustration, education and theory, in particular the latter stages of undergraduate development and post-graduate study and research.
Description
Illustration practice is not judged purely by visual literacy and technical qualities, but also requires intellectual engagement with its subject matter. Illustration: A Theoretical & Contextual Perspective, 2nd Edition examines the breadth and many uses of this diverse discipline, through nearly 300 colour examples. From developing a brief, conducting research and analysing visual language, the book goes on to explore the role of illustration in documentation, commentary, storytelling, persuasion and identity. It concludes with an overview of current professional practice, demonstrating that the ability to communicate meaningfully and effectively for a global audience is key to navigating today’s creative industries. Examples of work from award-winning illustrators showcase a huge range of applications, from the author’s own collaboration with the British Museum of Natural History and Olivier Kugler’s Portraits of Syrian Refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan, to Levi Pinfold’s fictional picture book Black Dog and Malika Favre’s promotional images for the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Film Awards.
Table of contents
1. Education The Program of Work Developing the Brief Answering the Brief The Conceptual Process Research Drawing 2. The Nature of Imagery Visual Language Visual Metaphor Pictorial Truths Aesthetics and Non-Aesthetics 3. The Role of Illustration Documentation, Reference and Instruction Commentary Storytelling Persuasion Identity 4. Contemporary and Future Perspectives Professional Practice The Polymath Principle A Public Interface
Review quote
This book is an excellent overview of the business of illustration ... and this easily transfers over to graphic design ... The book is really well designed, clearly laid out and organised and full of information, easy-to-read text and great examples ... it is great value.
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Beautiful book. Nice large images and a suitable level for foundation and HND students. Very helpful text when talking to students in tutorials about illustration as a career pathway.
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I loved the layout of the book. The focus was on the illustrations, and body copy was easy to read ... The illustrations throughout were interesting and well chosen.
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This book will be a particularly useful point of reference for students who are writing and developing self-initiated briefs for the first time ... I look forward to referencing it in tutorials.
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Our course has a very strong ethos of academic research and this book underpins that notion but also covers the context of the specialism. It is very comprehensive in its outlook and covers all of the aspects that we cover on our course with a strong emphasis on the social and cultural aspects.
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A well written and comprehensive guide to the subject, the education section is a must read for third year students who negotiate their own Illustration projects during the final year of the course.
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Very useful outline of career oriented illustration practices; nice range of illustrators work used to bring a breadth of potential commissions and working practices to life.
Biographical note
Alan Male is Emeritus Professor of Illustration at Falmouth University, UK
Promotional headline
With nearly 300 illustrations covering the breadth of practice, Illustration: A Theoretical and Contextual Perspective is about commun