How To Simplify A Narrative Without Losing Impact
What is editorial illustration, and 4 reasons how and why it can benefit your business!
Ever wondered what editorial illustration actually is and what is its purpose? I am sure if you’re an illustrator you have probably been commissioned in this sector, or you might know someone who is, and you’ve probably heard them talk about editorial work.
But incase you don’t know, or you have ever wanted to commission a piece of editorial work but not sure if can be categorised as ‘editorial’, then this piece is for you!
An editorial illustration is created to accompany a piece of written content. Usually you find them in magazines, blog sites/websites and newspapers. Illustrations within editorials are a great way to enhance the readers experience.
Sometimes photographs are used also, but personally, I think illustrations give that extra boost to the content it is accompanying because they can be so different and diverse in style.
Here are 4 reasons how and why they can benefit your business:
1. By picking out the key ideas in the article.
Illustrators have a great set of skills that means we can visualise specific themes that are relevant to the article through metaphors, literal representations, symbolic representations, and colours. Illustration is such a powerful way to simplify a narrative without losing impact. After all, illustrators are visual communicators, that’s where we really thrive - I know I definitely do!
Illustration is also used in this way to highlight a key person, a character, moment or scene in the article.
2. Helps to read a larger chunk of text by breaking it up with a visual image.
It sounds really obvious doesn’t it, but copy will always be more appealing, and to a wider audience if it’s broken up by images. By using illustration in this way, it can make a large article appear easier to read, and helps to create natural paragraph breaks and pauses.
When you last picked up a magazine, newspaper or when you were scrolling on your phone, I can guarantee you stopped when you saw images as well as text, rather than large blocks of just text!
3. Enhance the narrative of a story through the style of the illustration(s).
Style is very important, as it needs to match the tone of the editorial piece. That’s why finding the right illustrator for the brief is really important. I have found throughout the years of working will all sorts of clients, I know my work suits a certain type of brief, subjects and themes.
Style also helps to engage readers, and if designed correctly, it's a great way to grab the readers attention when they are flicking through a magazine, app or a webpage.
4. Illustrations can be used to evoke thoughts, stir emotion and set a tone or mood.
Are drawings really that powerful? They can be, yes! Don’t underestimate how, by style and colour for example, a drawing or painting can make the viewer emote.
They can help your reader really connect with the text, and illustration is one of the best ways to do this. It adds an extra layer to the narrative and enhances thoughts, feelings and emotions.
So there are my 4 reasons why and how editorial illustration can really give the written word a boost! Editorials make up a large part of my client work, and I have created illustrations for all sorts of topics and applications.
I am well practised in understanding client briefs and their audiences, so if this has sparked an idea, or you want to get in touch about a possible project, you can email me: contact@abbycook.co.uk
I would love to hear from you, and if you want to ask questions about editorial illustrations you can get in touch, or ask me in the comments, I would love to connect and chat.
Until next time,
