Illustration

Illustration is the visual translation of ideas, concepts, or systems through analog and/or digital media, and generally in the style of the illustrator. Some illustrations utilize multimedia components—AR, animation, 3D modeling—to emphasize or expand upon the rendered concept. Specialist areas are wide reaching across medical and scientific fields, fashion, architecture, concept art, and more.

Featured Articles

Seymour Chwast On Milton Glaser, the Importance of Illustration + the State of Contemporary Design

On the recent publication of a new book on his work, we catch up with the legendary designer and illustrator.

The Animation Studios Fostering Localized, Original Storytelling in India and Pakistan

Young studios like Ghost Animation and Mano are pushing the industry in new directions.

An Interview with “Broobs,” the Artist Behind Instagram’s Favorite Political Posters

As social justice movements play out on social media, there’s a new layer to artistic responsibility.

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Illustrator Olimpia Zagnoli on Creativity, Routines, and Why Reading a Book Is the Ultimate Form of Inspiration

The Italian artist talks self-reflection during challenging times.

When the USPS Is In Trouble, Artists and Designers Create Grassroots Efforts to Help

Using mail to drive social change has historical precedents. In 2020, it became personal.

For Decades, Cartographers Have Been Hiding Covert Illustrations Inside of Switzerland’s Official Maps

They’ve eluded one of the most rigorous map-making institutions in the world to do so.

AIGA Eye on Design

Read about illustration in our curated collection of articles.

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Featured Talks

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Your Face Here

Jennifer Hom shares development process of Airbnb's illustrative aesthetics, describing philosophies on color, representation, and editorial voice. You’ll even hear how superstitions helped localize the style for Airbnb in China.

The Secret World of Graphic Design for Filmmaking

Annie Atkins specializes in graphic design for filmmaking. In addition to creating contemporary artwork for movie posters, she designs and fashions any graphic pieces outlined by a film script, such as prison escape maps, telegrams, and fake love letters.

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Get Out the Vote: Signs, Slogans, and, Slideshows

Design and visual culture have long served a crucial role in mass movements and mobilizations. Media ranging from protest signs and political posters to social justice slideshows on Instagram aim to provoke, inspire, educate, and advocate for change.

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The Design Ancestor We Never Knew We Had

Wendy MacNaughton and Sarah Rich, editors of Leave Me Alone with the Recipes.

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Let's See What Happens

Jon Burgerman talks creative inspiration, lowering your expectations, experimenting, and trying not to worry too much.

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In Progress

Jessica Hische shares her path to developing her lettering process, demonstrate how to “be your own client,” and upload tips and tricks to attendees’ brains.

Illustration Talks

View past AIGA event presentations.

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Illustration

Featured Articles

Seymour Chwast On Milton Glaser, the Importance of Illustration + the State of Contemporary Design

The Animation Studios Fostering Localized, Original Storytelling in India and Pakistan

An Interview with “Broobs,” the Artist Behind Instagram’s Favorite Political Posters

Illustrator Olimpia Zagnoli on Creativity, Routines, and Why Reading a Book Is the Ultimate Form of Inspiration

When the USPS Is In Trouble, Artists and Designers Create Grassroots Efforts to Help

For Decades, Cartographers Have Been Hiding Covert Illustrations Inside of Switzerland’s Official Maps

AIGA Eye on Design

Featured Talks

Your Face Here

The Secret World of Graphic Design for Filmmaking

Get Out the Vote: Signs, Slogans, and, Slideshows

The Design Ancestor We Never Knew We Had

Let's See What Happens

In Progress

Illustration Talks

Recommended Reading

History of Illustration

In Progress: See Inside a Lettering Artist's Sketchbook and Process, from Pencil to Vector

The Illustrator: 100 Best from Around the World

Illustration: A Theoretical and Contextual Perspective

The Designer's Dictionary of Color

Sunday Sketching

More Resources

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