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.
Satisfying Aspects
- helping others to understand things, such as electrical appliances
- being creative and imaginative to some extent
- satisfaction of seeing the end results of your work
Demanding aspects
- limited opportunities to be creative
- possibilities of eyestrain and back discomfort
- highly detailed and time-consuming work
- occasionally having to work late to meet deadlines
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
School Subjects
No specific educational requirements.
Compulsory school subjects: None
Recommended school subjects: Mathematics, Geography, Visual Arts and Engineering and Graphic Design.
Training
Formal training in technical illustrating is offered at the Heidelberg-based business, Curwen Communications Corporation. Although there are several organizations that offer training in Graphic Art and Fine Arts, this is the only organization 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.
Employer
- armaments industry
- automotive industry
- aircraft industry
- any type of manufacturing industry
- self-employment, on a contract basis for companies in need of this service
Contact
Curwen Communications Corporation
P O Box 423
Heidelberg, 1438
Tel. and fax: (016) 349 2031
www.curwen.za.com