Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Emblematic Illustration

Emblem form illustration is specialized area of illustration that not many illustrators have chosen to pursue. A hybrid of design and illustration, many illustrators find emblematic illustration difficult for it is not pure illustration per se, and it is not strictly graphic design. It is an amalgamation of the two, and it requires some familiarity with how both image making disciplines approach or attack a visual solution.

To begin with emblematic illustration, or if you wish, you may call it emblematic design, requires knowledge of visual composition, typography, pictorial elements, and functionality.

Lets look at the function of an emblematic illustration. For all intents and purposes an emblem is a branding element, if not a signature logo for a product, service, etc. It is not an illustration in the traditional sense, neither is it strictly an organizational design form. It is both. And it works to perform a two-fold function. The first being to communicate a message, this is where it assimilates most closely with illustration, and second to solidify an identifiable visual, and this is where it most directly relates to design.

These cross-purposed attributes, which are inherent in emblematic illustration and design, are what cause it to be a challenge to execute. It actually demands more than some knowledge of both skill sets to execute.

Emblem Characteristics

The physical characteristics of an emblematic illustration differ from the sole traits of either a pictorial illustration or a logo or visual symbol design. A pictorial illustration follows a logical compositional arrangement to create a scene, an image that can be entered into and perused by a viewer. A logo/symbol on the other hand is designed to become an object that is meant to be taken in on the whole as a singular form, quite differently than a pictorial visual.

Illustrated emblems always contain at least two types of elements and most commonly consist of three types of components, 1) a pictorial element, 2) a graphic element and 3) a typographic element. And these pieces in combination configure a single form, i.e., elements arranged to form a coordinated emblematic illustration.

The Pictorial Component

Pictorial components vary in how they are used in an emblematic construct. In some instances the pictorial element is the headliner of the emblem, while in others it plays a minor role, and sometimes there is no pictorial element at all. A pictorial element is a pictorial visual, although as part of an emblem, it doesn’t function in the same manner as it would in a purely pictorial illustration. In other words, a viewer will not necessarily “enter “ into it. It functions more like an aesthetic placeholder for a scene rather than a complex pictorial illustration.

The Graphic Component

In emblematic illustration, graphic elements are the glue and mortar that hold the typography and image in place by creating a structure for them to share. A graphic element can be very simple, such as a single geometric shape used to frame the type and image, or quite an elaborate arrangement of custom rendered shapes, lines, symbols, etc. juxtaposed to compliment and enhance the pictorial and typographic components. The amount of “real estate” taken up by graphic elements can vary greatly from one emblematic illustration to another, and there are many ways graphic elements can be incorporated.

The Typographic Component

While the pictorial component provides a contextual depth for an emblem, and the graphic component provides its compositional structure, the typographical component provides its designation. As such, it is arguable the most important part of the emblem, even though as illustrators, we may feel the pictorial element to be the most important. Without the support of the typographic component, the identity and function of an emblem illustration could be compromised. For this reason the typographic content must not only be present, but it must be visible, legible, and readable.

Pictorially Dominant Compositions

The emblematic examples below place the most emphasis on the pictorial component, a representational form that dominates the visual real estate. In these illustrations, the image portion can take anywhere from 60 to 95% of the compositional area.

District Apothecary Soaps. Illustration by Julia Minimata.

Kayak Wailua Adventure Tours. Illustration by Dexter Sear.

American Express Emblem. Illustration by Stven Noble.

Louiville Board of Tourism. Illustration by Jeremy Carlson.

Experiencia Gourmet Catering. Illustration by Andrew Gibbs.

J'adore Vintage Clothing. Illustration by Angela Roche.

DACKids Pirates Cove Play Park. Illustration by Michael63.

The Frog Bucket Promotion Logo. Illustrated by Matt Zumbo.

Graphically Dominant Compositions

The conspicuous use of shapes as a primary component to establish a unique overall form is what distinguishes a graphically dominant emblem from other types. This characteristic is established in the examples that follow.

Ray's Video Sound Production. Illustration by Yom Nikosey.

Area 5 Design Video Production. Illustration by Dennis
Coulter.

Todd Oldham Products. Illustration by Kelly Munson and
Anne Peterson.

Clockwork Heating and Air Conditioning Service. Illustration
by Graphic D-Signs.

Woodward Heating Service. Illustration by Graphic D-Signs.

Aardvark Foundations Video Game. Illustration by Mark
Fullerton.

Typographically Dominant Compositions

Letterforms and words supersede the importance of either visual components or graphic ornamentation. In fact, it is not uncommon for a typographically dominant composition to be without any pictorial component. In these illustrations, the typographic treatment provides the aesthetic attraction for the emblem. Contrary to a pictorially dominant emblem, here the typographic portion can take anywhere from 60 to 95% of the compositional area as seen in the emblematic examples below.

Magazine Anniversary Logo. Illustration by Tom Nikosey.


Fuddruckers Restaurant. Illustration by Michael Doret.

Typopress Foundry. Illustration by Michael Doret.

Wall Street Journal. Illustration by Michael Doret.
Graphic Artists Guild. Illustration by Michael Doret.
Road Warrior Pack Promotion. Illustration by Logonomic.

Balanced Compositions

Not all emblematic illustrations display a dominance of either a pictorial, graphical, or typographic element, but present a balance of elements. To balance the relationship of emblematic components, these emblems divide the compositional real estate in more equalized proportions. See below.

Specialty Gardens Landscaping. Illustration by Graphic 
D-Signs.

Founders Cross-Fit Team. Illustration by Mario Zucco.

Coors World Concert Tour. Illustration by Tom Nikosey.

Kinetic Self Promotion Identity. Animated illustration by 
Michael Doret.

Bob Adams Home Builders. Illustration by Steven Noble.

Hillsborough High School Science Fair Poster Icon. 
Illustration by Logoboy.


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Teaching Illustration: Some Advice

For colleges and universities this is the new age of accreditation, assessment, and self-study, and all of these administrative activities are having a profound effect on the teaching environment. Gone are the good old days when anyone who worked in the profession, or had a particular skill set, or even a proven track record as a successful illustrator, would be invited to teach. These days, due to accreditation standards, economically driven assessment requirements, and institutional policies, anyone teaching a class must also have documented credentials such as a specific degree and/or special certifications. Although this has long been a standard for tenured and full-time educators, these rigorous requirements have not been strictly enforced for adjunct and part-time teachers…until now. And, although not discussed here this is occuring in primary and secondary education as well.

© 2014 Don Arday.
If you are an illustrator thinking of applying for a teaching position, there is information that can be very helpful in making the decision to try to enter the classroom that most adjuncts, part-timers, and even full-time faculty may not be aware of.

The Big Picture

The US Government subsidizes nearly every educational institution in the US in some part. Other institutions and foundations also subsidize colleges and universities. Because of this schools must be accountable for how they conduct themselves and how these funds are used.

Enter the accreditation organizations. These organizations are the watchdogs hired by the government to monitor the activities and performance of educational institutions for The US Department of Education and others. “The US Secretary of Education recognizes accrediting agencies to ensure that these agencies are, for the purposes of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), or for other Federal purposes, reliable authorities regarding the quality of education or training offered by the institutions or programs they accredit.” The accreditation reports generated also inform foundations and benefactors as well, e.g., The National Science Foundation (NSF), The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, etc.

Accreditation

Nearly every category in education has an accreditation body, from the arts and humanities, to engineering and architecture, even to teaching and educational practice. There are hundreds of accreditation organizations.

The College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at RIT, where I teach, is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation (NASAD) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation accredits freestanding institutions and units offering art/design and art/design-related programs (both degree- and non-degree-granting), including those offered via distance education throughout the United States. NASAD is the only accreditation organization focused specifically on art and design programs.

Like many other regional accreditation bodies, and there are many, most accreditation organizations like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education monitor all programs within a college or university.

How NASAD and Regional Accreditors Affect Teaching

NASAD has established a number of standards for measuring the accountability art and design education from the quality of student life to classroom environment to curriculum delivery. Along with NASAD, most regional accrediting organizations subscribe to the above standards and apply them across all disciplines. There are many measures, too many to list. Here are three key standards that have an effect on teaching illustration.

1. You must already have attained the degree level of the students you are teaching, This means you can teach BFA, BA, or BS students if you have a Bachelor’s Degree, but you cannot teach MFA, MA, or MS students. For that you would need to have a Master’s Degree. Bachelor’s candidates cannot teach other bachelor’s candidates, and likewise for master’s candidates. Also, a person with an Associate’s Degree cannot teach bachelor’s students.

2. There must be a written curriculum for the course you are teaching whether it is written by you or not. NASAD does require syllabi to be available for review, and they do look at how the content of your syllabus coordinates with other courses in the degree program, such as how the content satisfies as a pre-requisite to higher-level courses. Most schools can provide you with a course outline with goals and objectives, which can help you to develop your assignments. You should also seek out other faculty in the degree program to find out what they are doing.

3. There must be a method of assessment for your course. The school where you teach may provide this for you. You can also develop your own method. Today colleges and universities assess course outcomes and student performance well as your own teaching performance. Schools are using comprehensive strategies that consist of drill down assessment to the program level and even to individual courses. One aspect to NASAD, which differs from regional accreditation organizations, is that NASAD actually views and judges the quality of student work. For this reason it is important to document the work your students produced in your class to provide evidence of your successes.

Know Your Rank and Job Status

When you are engaged as a teacher you will be given a title or rank. Each rank has it’s own set of job responsibilities and expectations.

Tenured/Tenure Track Faculty

Status
Professors, associate professors, and assistant professors comprise this body of faculty. They are full-time employees who receive full benefits, i.e., health and life insurance, and retirement benefits.

Responsibilities
Tenure/tenure track faculty are required to teach, conduct research/scholarship, and provide service.

Non-Tenure Track Faculty

Status
Visiting artists, artists in residence, senior lecturers, lecturers, and instructors make up the non-tenure track faculty at colleges and universities. They have full-time status and may receive full or partial benefits.

Responsibilities
Non-tenure/tenure track faculty are required to teach and provide service.

Part-Time Faculty

Status
Visiting artists and instructors who either who do not teach full-time, or only teach for a limited length of time. With their part-time status and may receive partial benefits or no benefits.

Responsibilities
Part-time faculty are required to teach and possibly provide service.

Adjunct Faculty

Status
Part-time instructors who are usually limited in the number of courses they can teach in a school year. It is the norm for adjuncts not to receive benefits.

Responsibilities
Adjunct faculty are usually required only to teach.

Conclusion

Do your research. Know the academic environment you are joining. Seek advice when in doubt about policies, procedures, and dealing with the students in your program. Familiarize yourself with the Human Resources Department and employment requirements. Follow college guidelines. Consult the administrators of the program you teach in, such as the Program Chair and Administrative Chairs when you have questions. They have the answers, can help, and are willing to make your academic life easier. While being an illustrator is a solo activity, teaching is a team endeavor.