Previous Lessons
Lesson 1 - https://steemit.com/art/@stephanus/illustration-101-lesson-1
Lesson 2 - https://steemit.com/art/@stephanus/illustration-101-lesson-2
Solving The Brief
In order to solve the brief, an illustrator needs to fully understand it. This involves in-depth analysis of the information provided within the brief. To do this, the illustrator needs to ask, what is the visual problem that needs to be solved? In what context will the illustration be used? What content will the illustration contain? Does one need to do research in order to understand the theme? How much research is needed? Who will see the illustration? Only after the illustrator can answer these questions, can work be done.
"Only an intelligent analysis of the information generated by the briefing process can lead to an appropriate visual solution" - Richard Steel.
Context
Illustration is a working art. It requires an objective and pragmatic working process. Unlike fine art, it is not created for its own sake. Instead, illustration is cultivated out of a need for a specific purpose. That's why without context, an image can not be seen as an illustration. There are five generally accepted contextual domains within illustration. Information. Commentary. Narrative. Fiction. Persuasion. And Identity. Most briefs will identify with one of these domains. Although there are many others. And it can even be a mix of these. The best illustrations accomplish the successful messages to audiences.
Audiences
Knowing who the audience is, is fundamental to successfully communicating a message to them. Once you know who your audience is, it is important to know what the intended response should be in order to make them understand the message. An understanding of semiotics is also important. As different cultures recognize different symbols and themes. What might be acceptable in North America might not be acceptable in South East Asia. And so forth. In many cases, the illustrator will need to keep the client happy. Therefore, it is required to fully understand the client's occupation. A rapper will not need the same visual communication as a doctor. Children's books would have completely different images than adult contemporary books. Etc, etc.
Subject Matter
Illustrator inform, narrate, and comment in the same way writers might. The rules of writing can be the same as the rules of illustration. Both the writer and the illustrator aims to tell a story. Writers often have particular skills and knowledge about their specific subjects. Scriptwriters have different skills than journalists. Successful illustrators have the same specialties. The pursuit of knowledge is essential to become successful at anything. Therefore, the illustrator needs to engage in research and understanding of their specific subject matter. I have often noticed that by the end of a project, I feel as if though I can do the work. When illustrating a guide on how to fix teeth, I feel that I need to know everything about teeth. And by the end of the project, I know more about teeth than most undergraduate dentistry students do. In making these lessons, I feel as if though I have done an entire Bachelors degree in teaching. The illustrator, just like the graphic designer, gains A LOT of knowledge throughout their careers. This is why the creative field is so exciting and often times so challenging.
In the next lesson I will cover the conceptual process. This includes my own personal creative process. Therefore, be sure to follow me. AND REMEMBER TO UPVOTE MY LESSONS.