Technical Illustrator

As manufactured products become increasingly sophisticated, there is a growing need for technical information to be presented in a form that is acceptable to both experts and lay people.

One of the most efficient ways of doing this is to use technical illustrations. Professional technical illustrators must prepare these illustrations. Technical illustration is the preparation of visual images to communicate factual information of any kind.

Technical illustrators may be required to produce illustrations of many different kinds and of many different subjects. Typical examples of technical illustrators’ work include:

three-dimensional assembled views
three-dimensional exploded views
sections, cut-aways and ghosted views
functional diagrams
flow diagrams
electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic circuit diagrams

Subjects covered by these illustrations range from the most complex power station or aircraft, to everyday items such as cameras, calculators or televisions.

However, regardless of the type of illustration or the subject matter, technical illustrators must produce visual images that are technically accurate. Even though the work of different illustrators may vary slightly in style and presentation, they do not have the freedom to produce works of art as exhibited by either graphic artists or other artists.

Although most technical illustrations are prepared in line form using pen and ink, the technical illustrator must be able to work in various mediums, using many different techniques. These techniques include the use of an airbrush to produce more realistic images.

Personal Requirements

good technical drawing skills
keen interest in the general aspects of engineering
fascination for finding out how things are put together and how they work
interest in learning different drawing and painting methods
extreme patience, dedication and accuracy
ability to work as an individual or as part of a team

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Compulsory Subjects: Art or a related subjects is highly recommended
Recommended subjects: Art, Design Studies, Engineering and Graphic Design

Additional:

An art portfolio is required to demonstrate your creativity, abilities and commitment.
If you intend studying towards a degree in Fine Art at university, you will need to a Bachelor's pass in matric. If you intend studying a diploma in an art-related field, then you will need a Diploma pass in matric.
Meet the admission requirements (APS) set by the university or requirements set by the college.

What to Study

Formal training in technical illustrating is offered at the Heidelberg-based business, Curwen Communications Corporation. Although there are several organisations that offer training in Graphic Art and Fine Arts, this is the only organisation offering public training courses in Technical Illustrating.

The comprehensive training course comprises 3 modules, each of which runs for 2 weeks. Students have to do a practical examination at the end of each module.

Employment