How often do you get a request for a hand-drawn piece of art? You’re probably thinking, “Not too often.” But what if you’re one of the lucky few who are naturally skilled at drawing or creating things by pen, paper, charcoal or brush? Are these skills reserved only for street fairs and etsy.com? Is drawing a dying breed or have we only just begun to scratch the surface?
Today, artists and illustrators have generally come together in the collective communications world of graphic design. But do the graphic designs of today depend too much on computer software “magic” tricks or is there more to illustration than meets the eye?
1. COMPUTER CO-DEPENDENCE
Brush up a flaw. Alter a tone. Fix a shaky line. A designer has so many fun tools to work with, why not use them all, right? It reminds me of when fashion makeover software first came out. I always wanted to buy one and go crazy “designing” a look. Pick a template, import your face and change your haircut. Color in new makeup and get to work on an outfit. Was it all the accessorizing that made the final design turn out so much better than the original? Or is it that we trust computers to do the work more than we trust humans?
That begs another question, does great illustration then simply boil down to a templated look and digital co-dependence? It seems computer technologies are used more for improving on human “error” in a quest for perfection, than anything else. But it all comes back to the level of skill you need applied to the task at hand. Some clients want an original design and others enjoy a paint-by-numbers approach. It’s really those little nuances, quirks and strokes of genius that create what I consider brand personality. It’s the non-perfect, raw talent that comes shining through in a hand-created design that can make all the difference.
2. MAD SKILLZ
Take photography for example. You have the option of making your muse thinner, younger and brighter after the shots have been taken. But does that mean anyone can take a beautiful photo and call themselves a photographer? I think not. Similarly, with illustration you have the same tools at your leisure. But they’re merely options. Drawing by hand – or by mouse for that matter – still requires shape recognition, creative skill, a keen eye and a steady hand.
Recently, our office did a fun team exercise where we set up an iPad projected to a TV screen and each team member was asked to draw their challenge word for all to see. Needless to say, it did not go well for yours truly. If your idea of “great art” is stick figures doing matrix-like karate chops into a shot glass ala Chuck Norris, well then you’ve come to the right place. Some were just born to draw and work their mad skills in graphic design every day, others should stick to writing.
3. A TRUE TESTAMENT
One of my relatives started their own design business more than ten years ago. Before he did graphics and illustrations using computer software, he drew. He originated illustrations, portraits, framed art and sold it. He gave away his pieces for donations, to charity actions, created logo sketches for screen printing, sold art at street fairs, and the many things an artisan will do for their craft.
But it always seemed to me like so much work for so little return. How do you make a life for yourself from drawing authentic art? Hope for Target to pick you up was always a good answer. Create a comic book series that takes off is another. Or channel your dreams into illustrating for the masses in the field of graphic design. When this relative literally fell on his God-given talent and had surgery on his elbow and hand, he awoke to the next phase of the artist’s life: computer software and a true test of his abilities. He found a way to use his raw skills as an illustrator in a creative field that needs professional artists.
4. NEW WAVE NATURALISM
It goes to show that museums aren’t the only place where you can enjoy authentically drawn beauties. I think a tour of a marketing agency is a better place to see the new modern art. That nifty t-shirt design, swanky book cover or quirky band poster more likely started as a hand-drawn piece of art or illustration with a little bit o’ pop ‘n pizzazz added from Adobe Suite. So when you’re in need of a concept representation existing outside the norm, or have an idea that cannot be replicated in a photo shoot, that’s where illustrations are so helpful and necessary.
5. THRIVING ARTISTS
In just the last few years in the design industry, I’ve seen a spike in handmade art. People are knitting, drawing, crafting and creating things by hand more than ever. It’s a resurgence of the skilled. A rekindling of the artisan flame. So does this mean computers will go away completely? No. Not a chance. It’s nice to have them to lean on as a tool. I’m writing through a blog forum right now to speak to the masses. And that’s just what software is. A tool. An option. But not a way to lose your identity as an artist in an alternate reality.