Transforming Thought Into Pictures Feature Article by Leanne Hoffmann January 12, 1986 In the same way a savory aroma from the kitchen hints of a wonderful taste experience to follow, illustration provides insight into its accompanying package--be it a story, record, game, movie or other product. According to Jim Christensen, Brigham Young University professor and nationally renowned fantasy artist/illustrator, good illustrations help the reader or buyer visualize what is going on in the words or inside the package. "The best illustrations doesn't give anything away," says the Orem artist. "I don't like too much information or the climax of a story given away. For example, if I were illustrating the move "Psycho," I would never show the murder in the shower. I might show the shower curtain, and a hand with a knife--but the real action has to happen in the mind." In addition, the illustration also has the challenge of giving enough information to get the idea across. This fine level of balance is only one of the skills that must be mastered in the lives of artists who choose the world of illustration. Christensen says that when he gives an assignment to students in his illustration classes, there are a number of problems they need to solve. "First, they must develop their character(s)," he says. "The artist must decide what they look like from what he's read. They also have to research the setting and figure out the point of view, where the action is, and what medium to use (color or black and white). Then they have to design it just like a painting. Plus the final product has to communicate the immediate idea they want to get across--otherwise, it doesn't work as an illustration." Copyright The Daily Herald, Provo, Utah     |
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