As long as you design or use designs, have you ever wondered what illustration means? Is it only limited to artificial images? Or is there another form that can be included in this category? Then what does it do in design? These might be the fundamental questions for those who are curious about design. However, when involved in this field, you should know well what it really means to maximize your work results. So, let’s find out!
Defining Illustration
Defining an illustration can be so simple. Every visual explanation, like images, photos, collages, and even decoration is an illustration. Its existence can help get a better understanding of the design, text, concept, or process. It is not limited to only one type of thing, like an image, so long it can help to provide clearer information.
Since the expansion of digital media, its use is not only limited to print media. Many people are more familiar or common with using it on digital media. Because of the change in media, many more digital illustration productions are easier to use now.
The Function of Illustration in Design
As its definition implies, illustrations have a purpose in delivering a message or certain meaning, in complex texts, stories, or even abstract concepts. In design itself, they can determine the design personality and highlight the design style, as an aesthetic value. That is why graphic designers and illustrators always work hand in hand to create the best visual work to achieve their purposes.
On What and Where to Use Illustration
As long as it is needed, there is no limitation in using illustrations. Even big companies, that are very corporate-like and formal in appearance, also utilize illustrations for their needs. When you think the use of this piece of work is only limited to certain areas, you might think twice after reading this.
Good for Branding
The most prominent thing about the use of illustration in a business is in terms of branding. Look at the company or brand logo designs that you often see and know up to now. To have a unique appearance and distinguish it from other brands, logo-making often utilizes the creativity of illustrators to produce a design that is different from the others. With this uniqueness, a brand will be easily recognized by the target and market in general.
Besides logos, illustrations are also used for daily needs in a company or a business. Take a look at a business card, invoice, or envelope you have. The designers prefer to use icons to represent “website” or “email” instead of writing down the text. It is more effective and efficient in design, aesthetics, and function. The same goes for business presentations. To provide complex data in a presentation, providing illustrations can help the audience understand the context better.
Eye-Catching on Packaging
When you buy a product, regardless of the brand, what first catches your eye on the product? Product packaging is undeniably the most eye-catching to make you pay close attention to the product. In fact, many consumers immediately buy the product just because of the attractive packaging.
In this case, illustrations have an important role in attracting buyers’ interest. Of course, the design of the packaging must be adjusted to the brand image and target market. Because basically, it is part of branding itself. Don’t hesitate to apply some illustration concepts that can make a deep impression on the minds of the target market or general audience.
Lighten Up the Mood for Events
Inviting people to join the events will be easier by using illustrative posters or flyer designs. This style can provide an interesting perspective and an overview of the event. The illustration will deliver a more effective impact on the audience at events such as festivals. Even so, it doesn’t mean other events won’t be suitable for using this style. Corporate events, like webinars, seminars, or training can apply this illustrative style, too.
Worth the Money as Promotional Materials
An illustration is not only worthwhile for your branding and inside needs. It is also worth your promotional materials aimed at your target market. Moreover, the current visual competition is very tight. People who spend more time on digital platforms won’t bother spending time on a treat that isn’t visually appealing at all. Therefore, the designers also try their best to provide attractive marketing materials even at a glance.
The key to illustration as marketing material is continuity and unity between one platform and another to embed your advertising campaign ideas well. Marketing ideas can change rapidly according to rapidly changing trends and target preferences. Even so, when you already have a firm concept, illustrators and designers will find it easier to translate these concepts into the best illustration and design forms, whether flyers, billboards, or interior and exterior signage.
Benefits of Using Illustration Than Not
Some people may still hesitate to apply illustrations, especially for business needs. You can help those people clear their doubts by offering the benefits of using the illustrations like the following.
Tailored to Branding Needs – The most beneficial thing about using an illustrator to help you with branding is that you can get a style that fits your business vision. In short, you can personalize your branding that you might have imagined but would not be realized properly without using illustrations.
Tell a Story Better – It’s not just text that can tell a story. Full-concept illustrations can even tell something better than text alone. On several occasions, the presence of illustrations can provide a sense of balance that represents a big idea to the audience.
Stand Out Than Others – Amidst stiff competition, being visible and easily recognizable is a must. By using tailored illustrations, you can stand out from the rest. For some needs, its presence can help visual learners understand what you are conveying.
Make The Best Use of The Illustrations for All Your Needs
Before people know writing as a communication method, illustration has become the earliest method of communicating an idea. Therefore, using it for business or personal needs is common. With its ability to convey information beyond words and at the same time represent big ideas only through small pieces, there’s nothing wrong with using illustrations, right?