My thoughts on illustration

#1 How does illustration differ from design?

I feel that design is often perceived as something very formal, while illustration is not. Design is often based on very rigid systems, while illustration seems more free to explore. At their core, the two are not so different at all. They are often interchanged or used together. But the popular perception, in my mind, is that illustration can dabbled with by amateurs or professionals, while design should be left only to the elite. I think this perception needs to change.

#2 What's the purpose of illustration?

To relay ideas or concepts of any form to the viewer. To provide visual emphasis to verbal communication. To provide an extra element of emotion in combination with written text.

#3 In your life, where do you come across / notice illustration?

I'm a big fan of graphic novels, and that is where I come across the most illustration. To have an illustrator who can powerfully portray emotions with images is so crucial in this realm. Illustrations can really make or break graphic novels/comic books as far as I'm concerned. They become just as important as the text.