Elitism and the intellectual hierarchies of creative practice

This is a personal view: there are two factionalized divisions within the broad parameters of Illustration : contextualized professional practice (commercial illustration, commissioned by industry) and illustration theory and research. I have concluded that this divide is perpetrated by notions of intellectual elitism generally coming from certain academic communities, mainly within the UK higher education (HE) sector and also those illustrators (usually academics from HE) who subscribe to a position of authorial practice. The perception is that commercial illustration is prescribed, does not carry intellectual gravitas and that any notions of creativity utilized in answering a commissioned brief is restricted by objectives laid down by industry. This is wrong! Commercial illustration underpins the fundamental principles on which the whole discipline is based. Illustration is communication in all of its guises and contexts: it has been in existence since prehistory. It has always had to meet the challenge of directing a positive impact upon its audience – whatever the message, whether promotion and marketing, storytelling, persuasion, propaganda, commentary, documentation, information and new knowledge. Its power and influence has, and still is, massive. This is a premise that demands respect and makes the whole context of commercial illustration a crucial aspect of analysis and inquiry. I am a practitioner (with an international profile) and a senior academic (professor), author and editor, engaging in research and theoretical discourses. As such, I see both sides of these divergent opinions. But, it is my status as professional illustrator that facilitates my obligation to defend commercial, industry-based practice.