The working process of illustrators as communicators

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to explore the working process of Maltese illustrators. Internationally, there is ample literature available about the subject. Locally, this topic has not been investigated extensively. This study builds on the literature available and takes a qualitative perspective to review the experience of five local illustrators. The chosen methodology is Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The results show that there is no designated formula adopted by illustrators in order to create an illustration. As a result, illustrators have idiosyncratic ways of researching, planning and sketching, creating the final art work and keeping up to date with current trends. The results also show that their individual beliefs influence their illustrations. Illustrators are distinctive in the ways they incorporate colour. While some seem to use it to induce a mood, others use it metaphorically and some do not feel comfortable using colour at all. Although there are elements which distinguish one illustrator from another, it was brought to light that all illustrators go through a process of untangling the meaning behind the text they intend to illustrate.