Ghosted view illustrations are used to reveal elements of a drawing that would normally be obscured by other components. The technique involves rendering part of the structure as semi-transparent — or “ghosted” — allowing the viewer to see interior features while maintaining the context of the exterior form. For example, a ghosted view illustration might be a brick wall that is partially transparent so that a kitchen layout inside a house remains visible.
The term ghosted view simply refers to a controlled transparency, where selected areas of an illustration appear partially visible, like a ghost. The technique is widely used in commercial illustration, product marketing, and design visualisation to communicate structure, layout, and functionality without fully removing external elements.
Recently, Adrian Cartwright developed a more advanced application of ghosting when commissioned to produce a detailed 3D model of a Super-yacht. Sections of the hull and decks were designed to reveal interior rooms, enabling the client to generate bespoke promotional imagery with the flexibility to remove or fade structural elements as required. This modular approach allowed multiple marketing visuals to be created efficiently from a single master model.
Working from a 3D model also provides the flexibility to produce still imagery, using layered workflows in Adobe Photoshop to apply controlled ghosting effects with precision.
Planet Illustration continually explores new methods to enhance visual clarity, production efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for clients.
Please see the examples below of ghosted view illustrations, and feel free to contact Adrian to discuss how this approach could support your project.
Super Yacht
Created as a fully detailed 3D model for marketing use, this project incorporates selectable elements that can be toggled on or off to reveal internal features within the structure.
This layered approach provides the client with flexibility, enabling multiple visual configurations from a single master model. The 3D asset can then be exported into Adobe Photoshop, where controlled transparency and layering techniques are applied to produce highly detailed ghosted view illustrations for promotional and sales materials.
Hovercraft technical illustration
Ghosted and cutaway technical illustration of the SR.N6 Hovercraft.
Using both ghosted view and cutaway techniques to reveal the internal structure and mechanical elements while preserving the integrity of the exterior form. Selected sections of the hull are rendered transparently, while other areas are physically cut away to expose key components, enabling a clear understanding of the craft’s construction and layout.
Ghosted view illustrations of a car
Ghosted view illustration of a car drawn to support an automotive electronics manufacturer.
The illustration reveals multiple areas throughout the vehicle where sensors, control units, and switches are installed. Using advanced layering and transparency techniques in Adobe Photoshop, Adrian preserved the exterior form of the car while selectively exposing internal systems.
The result maintains the integrity of the vehicle, while clearly communicating the relationship between the electronic components and the vehicle’s mechanical structure — an effective visual example of ghosted view illustration.
Ghosted view illustration
This ghosted view illustration was commissioned to demonstrate the advantages of using geotextile systems to increase usable landfill capacity and improve waste management efficiency.
The ghosted view area highlights the additional space created through the application of the geotextile. Clearly visualising the volumetric gain and communicates the spatial benefit in a direct and easily understood way.
A simple visual technique — yet highly effective in conveying measurable advantage.
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.