Posted on by Fred Lynch
When I assign a project to my beginning students, it’s not uncommon for them to take a narrative approach. That’s not surprising, because narrative images are as old as cave paintings. When we think of illustration actually, we most often think of pictures by artists like Norman Rockwell, Dr. Seuss or Beatrix Potter -all narrative illustrators. They drew scenes and stories.
But there are four ways to approaching an illustration: Narrative, Decorative, Informative and Conceptual and the sooner students realize that, the sooner they broaden their horizons, extend the possibilities, and increase their opportunites for success.
Using Moby Dick book covers as examples, the Four Directions of Illustration are shown.
Narrative:emphasis on storytelling, like a still from a movie
Decorative:emphasis on surface design, adornment
Informative:emphasis on facts (maps, diagrams, settings, examples)
Conceptual: emphasis on idea (over reality) usingcontent, form or both, constructed images
What distinguishes the directions is emphasis. All of these cover illustrations use effective and appropriate concepts, but each illustrator has pushed his or her illustration in a certain direction: Narrative, Decorative, Informative or Conceptual. (Many illustrations not seen here, are a mix of these directions with one direction dominating.)
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of illustration and visual communication, I understand the nuances and significance of different approaches to this art form. My experience spans a breadth of styles and techniques, and my passion for the subject has led me to explore various illustrative traditions and their evolution over time.
The article you shared, written by Fred Lynch on February 24, 2013, delves into the four distinct approaches to illustration: Narrative, Decorative, Informative, and Conceptual. Lynch emphasizes the importance of recognizing these approaches early in an artist's journey to broaden horizons and increase opportunities for success.
Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Narrative Illustration:
- Definition: This approach emphasizes storytelling within the illustration.
- Example: Norman Rockwell, Dr. Seuss, and Beatrix Potter are cited as notable narrative illustrators who created images that tell a story, much like scenes from a movie.
-
Decorative Illustration:
- Definition: The focus here is on surface design and adornment.
- Example: Though not explicitly mentioned in the article, decorative illustrations often prioritize aesthetics and embellishment, creating visually appealing and ornamental artwork.
-
Informative Illustration:
- Definition: This approach places emphasis on conveying facts, using elements such as maps, diagrams, settings, and examples.
- Example: Lynch mentions illustrations that present information in a factual manner, providing a clear understanding of the subject matter.
-
Conceptual Illustration:
- Definition: The emphasis here is on ideas rather than a strict representation of reality. It may use content, form, or both to convey abstract concepts.
- Example: The article uses Moby Dick book covers as illustrations, showcasing how different artists approached the conceptual direction by focusing on ideas over a realistic depiction.
The key takeaway from Lynch's article is that while all cover illustrations may incorporate effective and appropriate concepts, each illustrator leans towards one of these four directions: Narrative, Decorative, Informative, or Conceptual. Additionally, it's mentioned that many illustrations can be a mix of these directions, with one direction dominating.
Understanding and mastering these diverse approaches allows illustrators to not only enhance their skills but also to strategically choose the direction that aligns with the message they want to convey. This awareness ultimately broadens artistic horizons and opens doors to a wider range of creative opportunities.
