Defining IllustrationProf. Vijay Kherde

Rachana Sansad College of Applied Art Mumbai.. for JJTU Rajasthan

The definition of any word, thing, phenomenon or happening is a

manmade version as explained above. Definitions have neither come

from heaven nor are they part of any religious texts that

ordinary humans are not allowed to change. In fact, a definition

has to be something that describes the subject holistically.

However, it is not an essay since a definition has to be concise,

limited to a few words to give the precise meaning. It is a

perception of what people understand. Interestingly, the

perception of every person differs. Hence it is obligatory that a

definition, with minimum words, must convey the correct meaning

through inputs for the right perception. A researcher therefore

has made an attempt to define illustration as acceptable to the

stakeholders from every cross-section.

Existing Definitions

A dictionary may not always be the most appropriate means to find

definition. While understanding the general meaning of the words

is important, it is essential to examine the holistic definition

of the word, subject or act. In the definition of illustration

from Wikipedia, it is clearly said that 'Illustration is an act

of explaining by means of picture’.

“Artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

exemplification: showing by example” is the definition that you

find in the Princeton dictionary website3:3 ‘The K B Virkar

Dictionary.’ has pronounced illustration as; the state of being

explained or clarified’. When said, an act of or a state of

clarifying or explaining; it sounds, that there is someone who

delivers the message; at the same time there must be someone who

is a receiver. The medium is either words or a picture. One can

also explain things through expressions.

When said, an act of or a state of clarifying or explaining; it

sounds, that there is someone who delivers the message; at the

same time there must be someone who is a receiver. The medium is

either words or a picture. One can also explain things through

expressions.

Definitions by the Masters

In this part, illustration defined by the masters who are known

prominently in the field of visual communication such as, Samuel

Johnson, David Ogilvy, Bobby Banerjee and Gajanan Mangesh Rege

etc., they seem to mention use of illustration as a tool to

garnish the text. They are in favor of making good use of

materials like print-making-drawing as well as 3-Dimensional

images. They seem to be emphasizing artistic quality of work and

qualitative versions of communication

Following are some of the definitions of illustration as coined

by renowned personalities:

“Illustration means a comparison or an example intended for

explanation or corroboration. This can also be defined as the

act or process of illuminating or the act of clarifying,

explaining or elucidation. It can also refer to something that

illustrates such as a picture in a book.” (By Easwar Iyer and

Bobby Bannerjee ”Anatomy of Green advertising”) 3:1

“An illustration is a visualization or a depiction made by

artist, such as a drawing, sketch, painting, photograph, or

other kind of image of things seen, remembered or imagined,

using a graphical representation.” (David Ogilvy) 3:2

“An illustration is a piece of work that describes or makes

something clear. It is also defined as an example used to

explain or prove something. In art it is a visualization e.g.

a drawing, sculpture etc that is used to garnish text.” (By

Samuel Johnson “Dictionary of the English language’) 3:4

Visionaries' take on illustration

Following are some of the views of experts and professionals as

recorded through interviews.

Santosh Padhi (Paddy) explains a ‘New visual grammar of defining

idea of illustration’. “Any art form, which has an ability to

make an idea alive, blends well with the nature of requirements

of idea, brings brand value alive, is youthful in nature,

expresses difference in style and uplifts brand identity; as per

the expected results is Illustration. It has no limitation of

medium or style. Any form of such art piece; as performing art,

shape or form of visual, audio-visual, digital or non-digital,

vocal or verbal are included. It would be a successful

illustration as in the end the result has a meaning.

Mr. Gopi Kukde, a veteran of Indian advertising industry,

answers it in a very simple language “Illustration is the

artist’s version of an art piece or communication device the way

the artist sees it.” Since his college days he wanted to see

something different, symbolic yet realistic or stylized at the

same time, simple and easy to understand; but something not akin

to a photograph. That is illustration for him.

According to Prof. Narendra Vichare, (former Dean Faculty of

Fine Art University of Mumbai.), who was interviewed, has to

say the following:

“Illustration is present even in performing arts and music,

different forms of expressions are used, and this correlate

the fact that tools and medium of expression are the least

important things. Artist, his performance, his target

audience and simplicity of forms have greater values while

communicating.”

“Illustrations today have become a concept oriented art. This

is neither purely realistic nor totally imaginary; with no

boundaries of medium for expression. The Illustrator is a

performer; simplicity of forms has greater values, at the

same time communication is the key of an illustration. “One

who understands these factors, and creates a classical art,

is a good Illustrator” (Amit Mitkar, cub art director)

“Expressions have their own nature, values, and aesthetics’,

we may call it a medium, tool or form; which defines the

importance of inner prospect, you may call it an

illustration.” (Meena Naik: a successful Actor, and Puppet Therapist.)

“In illustration, Basic tools and rules may change according

to need and demand of medium; such as texture of the tone,

expression of joy, enthusiasm, tone of voice, etc.

combination of such good mix of the elements is a good

Illustration” (Uttara Mone: Artist, & successful personality in the field of

showbiz as an anchor)

“Any drawing, composition, calligraphy, typography,

painting, sculpture, graphic design which is aesthetically

good and functionally convenient is an illustration. If it is

made for a corporate purpose then it involves a particular

group of audience, so it needs to be functionally easy to

understand and convenient to use.” (Dattatreya Padekar-

Illustrator, Designer and advertising personality.)

“All the details about translating our ideas into works of

art are done by understanding the background in relation to

any medium. Expression as a center point is an illustration.”

(Vijayraj Bodankar: illustrator, painter, speaker, and graphic designer )

In the interviews conducted by the researcher, there are

professionals who specialize in the subject and are professionals

in this field. They all are exposed to the modern world of

digital application, installations and three dimensional

sculptures made from modern materials using modern tools and

equipments.

Melodic harmony When asked to redefine illustration, they are in favor of

including all types of expressions in illustrations such as;

digital illustrations, free standing structures, three

dimensional installations and sculptures etc. They are also

experienced in verbal, visual and audio visual media like radio,

TV and films. Hence their ideas of illustration are more

contemporary and open than the earlier definitions conceived by

old masters.

But the crucial question put by the researcher was...Do all these

definitions justify modern day needs and fulfill illustrator's

thirst for excellence? There was no simple answer to this query

raised by the researcher. He decided to find the answer through

survey.

Results of survey

In the questionnaire No.1, question no 2 was asked to obtain

clarity on the same topic. Although the first four questions were

related to general connotations of Illustration, The questions

posed were as follows:

1) A piece of music can be an illustration, if it is

communicating a message.

(2) A video clip can be an illustration, if it is communicating

a message.

(3) A sculpture can be an illustration, if it is communicating a

message..

(4) A painting can be an illustration, if it is communicating a

message.

Data Analysis: for Questionnaire-1

Distribution of respondents: according to age group, status and

gender: Out of the 207 respondents, 195 were between the age

group of 18 to 45. Respondents in the age group of 18 to 35,

found open to new ideas. But the age group of 45 to 56 onwards

responded differently; either they were not open to ideas, or not

ready to share them. While analyzing Comparison and distribution

of responses from Questionnaire 1, Question No.2, according to

categories it is important to comprehend the tables and charts

shown above to understand what they are talking about.

Table 3,1: Distribution of respondents: according to age group,

status and gender

Cub Art

Directors /

students from

visual art

colleges

Masters of

the den/

Teaching and

non teaching

faculties

from visual

art college

General

People/

(Non art

arena)

Employees in

other

institutes

as train

friends and

railways TotalAge/

Gender F M

Tot

al F M

Tot

al F M

Tot

al F M

Tot

al

18-25 67 21 88 2 5 7 7 10 17 76 36 112

26-35 4 4 5 14 19 11 25 36 16 43 59

36 - 45 3 8 11 5 8 13 8 16 24

46 - 55 5 5 4 4 0 9 9

56

Onwards 1 1 2 2 0 3 3

Total 67 25 92 10 33 43 23 49 72 100

10

7 207

Footnote: F: Female, M: Male Source: Survey

Table-3,1 consists of responses for all 10 questions targeted at

sample categories, the terms used, viz. 'Cub art directors' and

'Masters of the den' are detailed in chapter 2, (Methodology).

This table represents total 207 responses out of which 195 were

from the

age group

between

18 to 45.

This

particular group represents people with decision making powers.

They are open to new ideas. There is an involvement of 100 female

and 107 male respondents, but for generic questions, genders do

not matter much, apart from deciding on lifestyle and habitual

patterns. Hence this table is divided across two groups,

Chart -1 [A], 1[B], 2[A], 2[B] and Chart-3:Chart -1 [A], 1[B],

2[A], 2[B] and Chart-3: People with art background and the other,

people with non art background. People in art background section

include Cub art directors (students learning visual art) and

Masters of the den (Professionals, Teaching and non teaching

staff from Visual art background).

On the basis of the questionnaires filled in by the people,

the classification is: Cub Art directors, 92. Professionals

(Masters of the den), 43, and general people, 72.

Answers of question No.2 is divided between two categories

on a 5 point scale; Chart-1[A] showing respondents in actual

numbers, reflecting an idea of illustration looking beyond the

parameters of two dimensional aspects of illustration, because

the total of art arena [92+43]=135, as against 72 Non art arena.

65.2% against 34.7% is a clear indication of approving the facts.

In this chart, prominence is not been visually seen hence Chart-

1[B] has also been prepared based on percentiles to make the

results crystal clear.

The same thing happens with weightage Chart -2[A]. It

becomes even more clear and simple to understand the fact that

people understand illustration to be without the borders of two

dimensions.

(1) A piece of music, (2) A video clip, (3) A sculpture, or

(4) A painting can also be an illustration, if it is

communicating a message. In other words, illustration means an

expression through an art form which communicates a message.

Chart-3 is prepared on the basis of weightages indicated by

figures from table-1, two major groups, i.e. Cub art directors

and Masters of the den. (1), (2) and (3) are accepted majorly by

them. But (4) is accepted by the general people who relate

illustration to the traditional form, that is painting. According

to chart-3, total weightage for video clip was 613, and sculpture

was 634. This is indicative of acceptance levels. Weightage for

piece of music was lowest at 491, and painting received highest

approval of 792. (1) A piece of music (2) A video clip (3) A

sculpture also have their unique acceptance levels. Proves a

point that Illustration could be any artistic expression using a

suitable material. It would be very interesting to see this in a

bar form with colour code to observe the differences easily.

Chart-4:

Distribution of responses from Questionnaire 1, Question No.2,

according to categories to

categories:

Shown here is a comparison

and distribution of

responses achieved from

Questionnaire No 1. On the

basis of total number of 207

questionnaires filled in by

the people, the

classification is: Cub Art

directors 92. Professionals

43, and general people 72.

Question No.2 is divided

between three categories on

a 5 point scale;

I: Cub Art directors, II:

Professionals, III: General

employees

Shown here in Red Ranking 5,

Green Ranking 4, Yellow

Ranking 3, Violet ranking 1,

Black indicates no response.

This shows I, II categories

which are Cub Art Directors and Professionals ranking 5 (Red)

have more weightage distributed evenly in A, B, C, D. But in

comparison, category III A, B, C have large number of

acceptability in size. Except D-III.

This means Cub art directors and Professionals who know

illustration, accept A, B, C & D. But General category accords

less importance to A, B & C and more importance to D. The reason

being they can identify illustration in a print form. People are

accepting the fact that illustration should not be considered

within the boundaries of two dimensions. Illustration has

expanded our vision beyond the limitation of just form and shape.

Even there is an acceptance to the music and movie clip where

there is no physical shape involved. It could be any artistic

expression using a suitable media to facilitate desired

communication to the target audience.

While discussing this chapter researcher feels it is

important to share two video interviews taken by him.

Mr. Gopi Kukde:

Gopi Kukde is a veteran of Indian advertising industry. He is

known for his innovative, creative and successful applications of

ideas. He is known to this industry for his most influencing work

- the “Onida Devil”. His association with leading advertising

agencies in India, like Chaitra, Clarion, Everest and JWT were

milestones of his contribution to Indian advertising. In 1982, he

founded Advertising Avenues.

When asked to define illustration by the researcher, he

answered it in a very simple language, which a lay person could

understand easily. According to Gopi, “illustration is the

artist’s version of an art piece or communication device the way

the artist sees it.” Since his college days he wanted to see

something different, symbolic, and realistic or stylized at the

same time, simple and easy to understand, but not like a

photograph. Gopi added that “today, when television is the king,

visual aspects of print media do not apply as the way it was

earlier. When it moved to cinema, illustrators found more

opportunities and challenges. Smart people accepted this as

challenge.”When asked about the need for changing the definition

of illustration, Gopi answered it brilliantly, stating that “the

attitude of modern thinking is in its correct perspective that we

need not change, everything changes by itself. Interpretation is

the basic definition; people will apply their mind and interpret

as they want. Because, it must be done, should be done, and will

be done as life moves along. But staying with yesterday's form

does not make sense for an illustrator. We have to move on, life

has a flow and its own rhythm...it is never steady!”

“Whether it is digital illustration or manual, everything

has its own style, identity and possibilities. What digital can

give you, manual can’t, and vice-versa.” Quoting an example of

Madhubani style of painting, he said that “the lyrical freedom of

shapes, forms, colours, the tactile feel, and pleasure of working

on a cloth is something that a computer will never provide.

Application of brush has its own charm. The core factor is you

need to apply your mind quicker. World has gone much ahead, you

will be able to erase the things you don’t like.”

“Society today, especially the younger generation, are

looking out for quick fix solutions...bullock carts and morning

bells in village will not inspire them, but Disco music might.

After all, Illustration is about revolving your thoughts around

making communication better, and achieving the objectives.”

Mr. Santosh Padhy:

Santosh Padhy, popularly known as ‘Paddy’, commenced his

advertising career 18 years ago. He has just recently been listed

amongst the top 10 global copywriters by Cannes. Paddy has the

distinction of being awarded 20 Cannes Lions, the highest for an

individual in Indian Creative. This apart, he has won 200

International and 250 local awards.

He remarked, “Today, India and Indians have great respect in the

global advertising and marketing forums; our work inspires the

word today; we have talent and unique advertising culture. In

advertising, illustrations play a major role... it has really

added value and a fresh perspective, especially during the last 5

to 8 years. Illustration allows us to take advantage of

flexibility of the

“We have a rich culture of art - miniature painting and

tribal art. These are forms of illustration which have a history

of thousands of years, as against 150 years of photography.” He

says further, “60% to 70% ads or creative work of art are

produced through illustrations globally, as against photographic

work. The strength lies in adopting technology to enhance our

merits of illustrating skills as per the demand.”

“The definition of illustration has transformed and evolved

because of digital technology. However, it is not distinct from

typography, illustration or photography; since all these are art

forms of communication. That fine line is already blurred over

the past 20 years, during which time photo ink or bromide was

used to create an illustration. Any form of art that is fresh and

relevant, or serves the purpose of propagating appropriate

message is welcome.” As an advertising professional, this brings

Paddy to a ‘New visual grammar of defining idea of illustration’.

Any art form, which has an ability to make an idea alive, blends

well with the nature of requirements of idea, brings brand value

alive, is youthful in nature, expresses difference in style and

uplifts brand identity; as per the expected results. It has no

limitation of medium or style. Any form of such art piece; as

performing art, shape or form of visual, audio-visual, digital or

non-digital, vocal or verbal. He would call it a successful

illustration as in the end the result has a meaning.

Concluding the interpretations

Hence the researcher would like to redefine illustration as:

“Illustration is a non-verbal artistic expression using a

suitable media to facilitate desired communication to the target

audience.”

The researcher intends to go a step ahead on being motivated with

the below mentioned experiment, which contain details on finding

the acceptance level for the said definition. As he endeavors to

know whether the definition was accepted or rejected.

Re-

validating our interpretationResult from Questionnaire-3: This questionnaire was filled in by

the Art professionals and Art students, with a specific purpose

to understand their feedback on weightage to redefine the

definition of illustration. Results are as follows:Table showing

acceptance of comparison between expressions of definitions of

illustration mentioned as earlier in 2nd chapter questionnaire 3.

This questionnaire was set and kept for the remarks by the

professional and student category during their Exhibition: VIz-

Impact 2013-14 at Rachana Sansad College of Applied Art & Craft,

Prabhadevi Mumbai 25.

Analysis Comparative Analysis table-3:4 Titled Cast Your Vote,

questionnaire no. 3,

SCORE ALLOTTED BY THE RESPONDENTS TO DEFINITIONS

IN PROFESSIONAL CATAGORY

Category: Professionals/ Advertising practitioners/Designers/Art

directors/Creative practitioners etc.

Sr.No Definiti

on A By

David

Ogilvy

Definiti

on B New

Born

Definiti

on

Definiti

on C By

Easwar

Iyer

Definiti

on D By

Samuel

Johnson

Definiti

on E By

Gopi

Kukde

M/F/Age

1) 4 3 2 1 5 M252) 4 4 2 1 5 M243) 3 5 2 4 1 M494) 3 2 4 5 1 M575) 3 4 1 2 5 M256) 3 4 2 5 1 M297) 5 3 4 2 1 M198) 3 4 3 2 1 M349) 2 4 3 2 5 F2810) 2 5 3 4 1 F3911) 4 5 1 2 3 F1912) 5 1 4 3 2 F2013) 4 5 3 2 1 F3214) 4 2 5 3 1 M24

15) 4 2 3 5 1 M5916) 3 4 2 5 1 F4717) 1 2 4 5 3 M2518) 2 4 3 1 5 M2819) 3 5 2 1 4 M4920) 4 4 2 1 5 M2421) 3 4 1 2 5 M2522) 5 4 3 2 1 M4523) 3 2 5 4 1 M5124) 2 1 4 3 5 M2425) 5 2 3 4 1 M2526) 3 5 4 2 1 M4127) 4 3 2 1 5 M3028) 4 5 3 2 1 M2529) 3 2 4 5 1 M4930) 5 2 4 3 1 M6431) 3 5 4 2 1 M4932) 4 3 2 1 5 M40Total 110 109 94 88 80

Male: 24 Female:8

Comparative Analysis table-3:5 Titled Cast Your Vote,questionnaire no. 3,

SCORE ALLOTTED BY THE RESPONDENTS TO DEFINITIONS IN (STUDENTS) CUB ART DIRECTORS CATAGORYCatagort: Students(Cub Art Directors)

Sr.No Definition A By David Ogilvy

Definition B NewBorn Definition

Definition C By Easwar Iyer

Definition D By Samuel Johnson

Definition E By Gopi Kukde

M/F/Age

1) 1 2 4 5 1 F182) 4 1 5 3 2 F193) 1 4 2 3 5 M184) 4 3 2 1 5 F225) 1 5 4 2 3 F206) 4 5 3 2 1 M227) 5 4 3 1 2 M218) 4 1 2 3 5 F199) 3 4 2 5 1 F1910) 4 5 3 2 1 F1811) 4 5 2 3 1 M2512) 5 1 3 2 4 F2113) 1 5 2 3 4 M2214) 2 3 5 1 5 M2015) 4 3 5 1 2 M2016) 3 5 2 4 1 M2317) 1 3 4 5 2 M2418) 2 4 3 1 5 F1919) 2 4 3 5 1 F1820) 5 4 3 2 1 F1821) 5 1 4 3 2 F1622) 1 3 5 4 2 F1723) 2 3 4 5 1 F1824) 2 4 3 1 5 F1625) 5 3 2 4 1 F1526) 4 5 3 2 1 F1627) 5 4 3 1 2 M1628) 3 4 2 5 1 M1729) 5 3 2 4 1 F1630) 3 2 1 5 4 F1731) 1 5 3 2 4 F1632) 5 4 3 2 1 M1933) 4 5 3 2 1 F1834) 5 4 3 1 2 F16

Total 113 121 103 95 79Male: 14 Female:20

Results: Chart—1, Analysis of weightage in % for professionalcategory.

Result shows a weghtage for definition B:(62.5) as against fordefinition A:(63) on percentage scale

Chart—2, Analysis of weightage in % for Cub artdirectors (students) category

Definition A Definition B Definition C Definition D Definition 5010203040506070

WAIGHTED SCORE ALLOTED BY THE RESPONDENTS TO DEFINITIONS

IN PROFESSIONAL CATAGORY

Definition A Definition B Definition C Definition D Definition E01020304050607080

WAIGHTED SCORE ALLOTED BY THE RESPONDENTS TO DEFINITIONS IN (STUDENTS) CUB ART

DIRECTORS CATAGORY

Result shows a weghtage for definition B:(71.5) as against fordefinition A:(69) on percentage scale

Observation: It was observed that in Chart -1, professional

group, the most appropriate definition in popularity was found

definition A, with a marginal difference of 0.6 as against

definition B. means they also prefer definition B.

While for the student population Chart -2, definition B was

appreciated in more number of percentages. In totality

definition B is appreciated. Definition ‘B’ is: “Illustration is

a non-verbal artistic expression using a suitable media to

facilitate desired communication to the target audience.” is

appreciated by professionals and students both

Discussion:

There have been varied definitions of illustration till date. It

was really not possible to capture the real essence of the

subject in a nutshell. During the course of this research, the

researcher arrived at a concise yet holistic definition of

illustration, one that would logically and technically encompass

every meaningful aspect of the term. Before we discuss the

definition of Illustration as clarified by the researcher, it is

important to understand the essence of other definitions, apart

from few mentioned earlier, that have been outlined by the

experts.

One of the experts, David Ogilvy, defined illustration as a

visualization or depiction made by an artist. Drawing, Sketches,

Painting, Photograph or other images seen, remembered or

imagined using a graphical representation. In other words, he

limited the definition of illustration to mainly the print

medium.

This may be one aspect of illustration but it does not

holistically define the subject. Another expert, Mr. Easwar

Iyer, stated that Illustration was a comparison or an example

intended for explanation or corroboration. He defined it as the

act or process of illuminating or the act of clarifying,

explaining or elucidation. According to him, it can also refer

to something that illustrates such as a picture in a book.

Again, this is yet another aspect of illustration but yet not

holistic since it talks about the process of explanation of a

topic.

But illustration is much more than that. It has to do the

explanation all right, but the media and the audience it is

explained to is of crucial importance. The explanation need not

be a picture in a book but a concept or imagination as Mr.

Ogilvy put it. Yet another definition of illustration by Mr.

Samuel Johnson is that it is a piece of work that describes or

makes something clear. According to him it is also defined as an

example used to explain or prove something. He says that in art,

it is a visualization e.g. a drawing, sculpture etc that is used

to garnish text.

This too is just one of the aspects of the term

'Illustration' since it is limited to drawing or graphic value

wherein the art was used for 'garnishing' the text.

Conclusion:

Considering all these, the Researcher made a holistic

definition. The researcher defines illustration as a non-verbal

artistic expression using a suitable media to facilitate desired

communication to the target audience. So here, the limitations

posed by previous definitions are surpassed and a holistic idea

of illustration emerges wherein there is no boundary of media,

idea or space.