The Visual Dictionary of Illustration

by Mark Wigan

The Visual Dictionary of Illustration is a comprehensive guide to the numerous terms associated with, and used within, the field of illustration.

Over 250 terms are explained and contextualised, with concise definitions accompanied by examples taken from traditional and contemporary illustration.

The dictionary covers traditional terms still in current usage as well as modern terminology such as Raster and Punk . It also includes a wide variety of practical terms, such as Collage , Woodcut and Storyboard , as well as movements and styles including Dada , Surrealism , and Romanticism .

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jabeeeeeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a good book if you want to improve your vocabulary, articulate ideas and write your statements in a better way. It’s a quick read. It’s beginner friendly and doesn’t go into depth. Not good if you’re looking for in depth explanations.

[Zel Polev · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book wasn't that good. I thought the choices of entries were arbitrary. Coupled with suspect information, I wasn't confident that what I was reading was something worthwhile. I guess I am a stickler but I generally dislike it when abstract art is conflated with non representational art. They're two different things. Abstract is abstracting away from something but it still refers to something. Non representational art is exactly that. It is itself. Anyways, I viewed the information afterwards as a little suspect. There are claims that this is the first instance or this is the origin of, which is pretty unsubstantiated. There are links to street art with cave drawings, which honestly, could be caused by several factors, not least of which is the artist's choice. There is nothing inherent with spraypaint cans that ties it with cave drawings. Sure it is a nice thought that there is a parallel between cave images from thousands of years ago to the street images present day but to include it in an entry of street art or spraypaint is a bit much. It comes across as amateurish and some knowledge that someone picks up off the internet without research to back it up. The arbitrary entries didn't help with this impression. I don't particularly know why some artists are chosen to be featured and some not. There was no rhyme or reason why skateboards are chosen and why wallpapers aren't. I think this book wasn't one star terrible but it wasn't good either.