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PART I1 THE PAGE
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KINDS OF ILLUSTRATIONS
All non-photographic visuals.
In computer graphics, the term “illustration” covers a wide range of graphic objects, from large pieces of cover art to graphs and charts, to tiny logos. To help you think about how illustration might fit into the kinds of projects you do within personal media, here are eight different types of digital illus- tration to consider.
logos
symbols and icons
A symbol is an image that represents something by association, not resemblance. An icon is a simplified image that represents something based on resemblance.
technical drawings and diagrams
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CHAPTER 4: ILLUSTRATION
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Symbols can visualize abstract ideas. They can also repre- sent tangible things. Symbols are commonly found on maps and in public environments and many are designed to visu- ally communicate concepts that span multiple cultures.
The first symbol (top left) stands for atomic energy and is slightly representational of an atom surrounded by electrons. The universal sign for “help” (top center) originated with the Red Cross and signaled medical assistance in wartime. In the United States, interstate highways have evolved a symbolic shield (top right) into which the number of the route is placed.
Technical drawings and diagrams are precise illustrations developed for the purpose of guiding construction.
Symbols connect to the thing they refer to indirectly, obliquely, or through association and not by resemblance. Icons are more simple and direct and are frequently used to replace words.
There is no reason to stick with dull icons. The standard controls for movies and audio can be revital- ized with the addition of a little color (middle row). Other well-known icons include a reel that holds a strip of film, the globally recognized signage for bathrooms, and a speaker with sound waves for volume control. (top row) Illustrator Symbol Library; (middle row) Heather Ben-Zvi; (bottom row) Illustrator Symbol Library
Illustrator is often used to create “working drawings” of objects that are then fabricated in production shops of all kinds—from welded metal to crafts to architecture. Shop Drawings, as technical drawings are often called, require great clarity and often have size specifications added.
Both of these technical drawings are extremely precise, as technical drawings and diagrams need to be. The night soil schematic (left) includes a green inset that suggests the overall object at full size. The diagram of a school locker has been marked up by hand. Jamie Kruse/Smudge Studio; Ian Cooper
Adobe Illustrator has a Symbol Library that is pretty lame. It doesn’t recognize the distinctions between icons and true symbols. Why be so fussy? Because acute awareness feeds creativity.
A logo is a graphic element that serves as a visual identity for an organization, company, or individual.
Large organizations and companies pay top designers to cre- ate their logos. But you can make one for yourself for free and have some fun in the process. Adobe Illustrator is the instru- ment of choice.
A good logo should do the following: (a) be easy to rec- ognize and remember; (b) scale from large to small across print and screen; (c) print as black and white, even if the logo is normally seen in color; (d) connect to a core quality or attribute of what it represents; and (e) be flexible for use in many contexts.
These are custom logos. The one at the top mimics official government signage. The one at the left has a tribal, ancient resonance. At the right, a circular logo encapsulates a set of initials. Stephen B. Nguyen; Stephen B. Nguyen; Jamie Kruse, courtesy of Stefano Bonaretti