Digital Revolution: The Impact on Illustration

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Of all new advancements, the digital space arguably has the most outstanding effect on illustration, encroaching on our reality and the meaning of physical space within the field. As the digital space expands and further accommodates more aspects of the global illustrator’s life, we may come to a point (or are already at the point) where there is novelty in the restricted physical space; in a physical artwork, studio or gallery. It has changed the playing field and the rules of the game- knowledge and new innovations are developing rapidly, with a possibility of overtaking tradition through convenience. Not only has digital technology affected how illustration is received and displayed, but also how it is created- in the proliferation of digital …show more content…

Rad Sechrist is a master in his field- a ‘head of story/ character designer working in animation…[who has] worked for several major animation studios including DreamWorks Animation, Disney TV [and] Cartoon Network’. He uses Adobe Connect [fig. 1] to run small special classes over the internet, for students around the world, giving them close attention. This innovation over the internet could change how students may learn their subjects- much cheaper and more practical, it can be done from the comfort of their own home, without the cost of renting physical space. Sechrist himself also had an online education [fig 1.] Students are set homeworks and given critiques, in small groups. Accessibility This brings a spin on individual tutoring, with contemporary artists introducing fresh novelty and innovations back to a student’s education- this knowledge can in turn can then be built on and developed. A student can pick the artist for their individual teaching and merit, rather than an institution’s reputation. Bringing an individual artists realisations and skills passed on, without a premium or restriction of curriculum regulations. Especially for pre-higher education students. Not only is there Rad’s school, but also Skillshare, Lynda.com and …show more content…

Artists are no longer geographically restricted- you do not have to live in a city with a bursting illustration scene. An important measure might be how they benefit and if they find employment. Mostly, exposure through the internet is something that many illustrators benefit from; Jake Wyatt and Babs Tarr commenting that they actually had been hired by Marvel through the popular blogging site, Tumblr. In a way which reflects the casual nature of Tumblr, Wyatt remarks ‘A reminder from some editors at Marvel that Babs, Kris, Kevin and I ALL got our jobs in comics by posting a bunch of dumb art on tumblr’. Though a website with a nonchalant but playful vibe (‘a bunch of dumb art’), it has its circles of professional workers, ranging from those working on Cartoon Network shows, to popular editorial/comic illustrators such as Jillian

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