Phil Laughlin Illustration
Effective
Illustration is art with an immediate purpose... it's got a job to do! Nothing can do this job better than the targeted and unique nature of artwork resulting from the collaboration between illustrator and client. From my Vermont studio, I offer freelance digital illustration services with a concentration on technical illustration of large scale engineered systems. Related subject specialties include consumer products, building construction, mechanicals, tools and equipment.
Experienced
For the last 15 years, I have worked exclusively as an illustrator. With over 30 years total in the graphic arts I have the experience to understand your project needs and help you achieve your goals. My work has appeared on packaging, on the web, in advertisements, interactive media, catalogs, brochures, presentations and has recently found it's way into the industrial design process.
Versatile
With such an extensive background in the graphic arts I am able to offer different styles to meet different needs. The portfolio on this site shows a wide range of examples from simple line drawings to full color highly realistic renderings, each one tailored to meet the goals of the project. I will work carefully with you to understand your needs and provide a well executed solution that will engage your audience and deliver the message.
Illustration Strengths
Samples in this portfolio highlight many strengths and uses. Illustration, by it's selective nature, does a great job of cleaning up cluttered subjects as in this aerial perspective. It can encompass sprawling engineered systems as demonstrated in this cutaway of an underground water system that has no vantage point for photography. Diagrams, such as this back-hoe sample, show how illustration excels at taking complex subjects and reducing them to the basics.
Portfolio
Portfolio samples are organized by style. They start with simple black and white line art drawings, then progresses through more complex styles such as color technical illustration. The last section shows fully rendered realistic illustrations that convincingly describe surface and form. Not surprisingly, certain styles are closely allied with specific needs. Line art is mostly used for parts manuals and instruction sheets. Full color renderings are often used in industrial design work and concept presentations where people are trying to visualize something that does not yet exist.
People often weigh the choice between illustration and photography. Illustration is the clear choice when you need to present information that goes beyond appearance. Review the range of subjects and techniques in my portfolio, then contact me to commission a custom illustration!
