Editorial illustration

Focused metaphors, contrasts, and a readable focal point present an idea.

Visual traits

• visual metaphor
• clear focal point
• condensed composition

Expected changes

• Metaphoric elements are more likely to become central
• The compositional focus is more likely to become clear

Definition

Editorial illustration is visual expression that organizes meaning in response to an article, headline, or issue. It does not determine a particular medium, audience, publication, body text, or production method.

In more detail

It presents ideas concisely through symbols or contrasts, creating an image that can be read quickly on a page or screen. The publication layout and writing are separate choices.

Includes

• Symbolic
• concise illustration responding to an article or issue

Excludes

• A particular magazine or newspaper
• actual headline
• advertising production
• or page layout

What this does not imply

• A particular publication
• audience
• article text
• advertising
• or page design

Variability

Because the provisional reference is not direct evidence for this candidate, root source review is required for the stated issue and metaphor.

Usage

• State the issue separately and concretely
• Specify real headlines or body text only when needed

Distinguish similar expressions

• Use it as visual expression for an idea
• not as a specification for a publication or advertisement

Typical uses

• Show an article's subject through metaphor
• Create a focal point for a complex issue

Possible failure modes

• The connection to the theme is unclear
• The image becomes merely decorative