An Illustration is a visualization such as a drawing, painting, photograph or other work of art that stresses subject more than form. The aim of an illustration is to elucidate or decorate a story, poem or piece of textual information (such as a newspaper article), traditionally by providing a visual representation of something described in the text.

lllustrations can be used to display a wide range of subject matter and serve a variety of functions.

• giving faces to characters in a story

• displaying a number of examples of an item described in an academic textbook

• visualizing step-wise sets of instructions in a technical manual

• communicating subtle thematic tone in a narrative

• linking brands to the ideas of human expression, individuality and creativity

• inspiring the viewer to feel emotion in such a way as to expand on the linguistic aspects of the narrative