What Is Technical Illustration?
Technical illustration is a specialised form of visual communication used to explain how something works, how it is assembled, or how it should be used. It prioritises clarity, accuracy, and functionality over artistic expression.
Unlike decorative illustration, technical illustration is structured, precise, and often based on engineering drawings, CAD data, or physical reference.
Core Characteristics
Accurate proportions and geometry
Clear linework and controlled shading
Exploded views and cutaways
Sectional diagrams
Sequential step-by-step visuals
Use of arrows, callouts, and part numbering
Minimal reliance on language
Below are some examples of technical illustration. All illustrations are commissioned examples of work and all produced by Adrian Cartwright at planet illustration. Feel free to click on the images to find out more about that illustration.
Cutaway illustration
Engineering cutaway technical illustration to display how a newly designed geotextile can protect topsoil from sea water.
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instruction drawings
Technical illustrations used for instructions for a medical pneumatic mattress and it’s pump control unit.
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Super-Yacht 3d model
This illustration is a render from a 3d model. Commissioned for a client in the US who required multiple views of a Super yacht with removable sections to reveal inner areas to promote their products.
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Stylised instruction illustrations
A stylish slant on traditional technical illustrations. Using flat colours and tones of them to create depth and highlights.
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Realistic product illustrations
Realistic technical illustrations for promoting new products in packaging and catalogues.
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Medical instruction illustrations
Instruction illustrations produced with a technical illustration style. With subtle use of shadow and highlights to help give depth and lift the instructions.
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Simple line instruction
Simple line instructions drawings for assembly of a shade.
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Engineering cutaway drawing
Realistic cutaway illustration showing where the materials are placed and used.
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Assembly step by step instructions
Assembly step by step instructions, illustrated for use on a swing tag and printed cards.
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Hovercraft technical illustration
Traditional line technical illustration showing the internal parts with use of cutaway and ghosting techniques.
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Building cutaway
Technical illustration in full colour showing the internal structure and products used for interior fittings.
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3d floor plans
3d relief style floor plans with subtle colours and shadows to create a real like style.
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Realistic cutaway technical illustration
Realistic styled cutaway illustrations produced using Art directions at photography shoot and Adobe photoshop.
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Roofing cutaway drawing
full colour technical illustration showing cutaway sections of a roof for a German company sales and marketing library. (This image is slightly modified to promote planet illustration)
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Perfect Margarita
A technical illustration in the style of Leonardo da Vinci sketches with hand written instructions on how to make the perfect margarita.
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Cover story tech drawing blueprint
Technical illustration style graphic illustration for a global on-line magazine. The client wanted a tech feel and to complement the blueprint project of the cover story.
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Exploded view technical illustration
Exploded view technical illustration showing different layers of materials used in the construction of the product. Using subtle cutaways to help reveal the different layers benefitted the more complex layers.
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Ghosted view
A ghosted view of a car to promote manufacturer products. The technical illustration shows all the products in location in a typical motor vehicle using the ghosting effect.
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Ground engineering cutaway
Engineering ground work cutaway illustration to promote the different geotextile products used in a typical engineering project.
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Realistic cutaway technical illustration
This cutaway technical illustration was commissioned to highlight the new technology incorporated into the new Dunlop tyre.
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Customer FAQ
illustrator FAQ
How much will it cost ?
It’s best to contact Adrian with a clear idea what you want, but if you’re not sure, that’s no problem. You can have an informal chat about what you want to do. This is normally the best method. Call Adrian 07803126079
When can I have it ?
Delivery is typically within 2 weeks. Although the delivery depends on many factors, like amount of work involved. The speed in which reference or answers to questions from the customer can also impact progress. In other cases, some commissions are completed in a matter of a few days. It all depends on the volume of work, and schedule. I suggest asking during the briefing.
What if I don't like it ?
In 33 years freelancing, I’ve never had a job go bad. But I do have a process in place to help protect the customer and myself. It’s a simple process. The illustration is produce over multiple steps, to avoid confusion or going off track. My customers like it, because it involves them, giving input. That way we avoid misunderstanding things, and if so, it’s corrected at that stage.
I always encourage my customers to honestly give feedback when the illustration is delivered to make sure they’re happy with it. And if there’s anything (it happens), then it’s rectified.
Read my reviews to see how commissions go. Reviews
Copyright, who owns it ?
Typically, the copyright belongs to the original artist, but the exclusive usage belongs to the commissioning customer. This is standard international copyright law. And means that nobody without consent from the original artist and commissioner can legally use part of or wholly the art in question. Copyright Law
What do you want illustrating ?
The best method to start with is a telephone conversation. This will cover many questions, and help guide the best options available. This will speed things up a lot, and answer any concerns you might have. Call Adrian 07803126079
Do you have a budget ?
Try to be realistic about commissioning a bespoke illustration from a professional illustrator.
I don’t overcharge my customers, because they’ll go somewhere else next time.
It’s good business to be honest and work together as a team to get the best results. Simples !
Collect all the information you have to help produce the illustration
So please collect reference suitable for the commission.
Are you available for questions & updates ?
During the illustration process, it’s important that there’s communication between the illustrator and one other, who’s the point of contact regarding the illustration commission. This is often the person who contacts the illustrator originally. But sometimes it’s a team of people.
In that case one person should be appointed the main contact. This will avoid conflicting feedback, and keep a clear channel for communication.
Want more information?
With over 30 years experience, I’m sure we can help you… make that call.