Illustration is the transfer of visual concepts to an attractive format suitable for presentation. Illustration differs significantly from photography where realism is expected to convey to the viewer a wholly believable scene. Instead, the graphic artist has the freedom to illustrate visual concepts without concern that the viewer will instantaneously reject the image. The presentation environment and setting determine the degree of inherent realism that must be incorporated into the image. Where precision and accurate representation are prerequisites, technical illustration is required. Aesthetic appeal can provide flexibility where illustrative precision and realism are of lesser importance.
