What Is a Cutaway Illustration?
A cutaway technical illustration is a drawing in which part of an object’s outer surface is removed (or visually “cut away”) to reveal internal components. It allows the viewer to understand both the exterior form and the internal structure in a single image.
Rather than separating parts as in an exploded view, a cutaway maintains structural context.
Cutaway illustrations are used to:
Reveal hidden internal mechanisms
Show spatial relationships between components
Explain how systems operate internally
Combine form and function in one coherent visual
They are especially valuable when understanding depends on seeing how parts interact inside an enclosed structure.
3d model with selectable cutaway sections
This example of cutaway is unusual because it is a digital 3d model that features sections that can be made invisible. By selecting sections, they can become fully transparent, allowing the viewer to see inside areas of the super yacht.
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Realistic cutaway
A realistic rendered illustration cutaway showing a geotextile in place within the ground. The illustration shows how the geotextile providing drainage and protects the topsoil from sea water contamination from below.
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Technical cutaway
Technical cutaway showing the construction of ground works to stabilise a bank of soil with drainage for a footpath.
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Technical cutaway of a building
Building cutaway showing areas of interest. Illustrated in a technical illustration style with simple line and shadows.
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Cutaway of a firebox
Cutaway technical illustration of an electrical fire box. The illustration was commissioned to promote the fire proof elements and supported written text.
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Medical cutaway of a mattress
Technical cutaway illustration of a medical pneumatic mattress. The illustration was commissioned to promote the inner components using cutaway and ghosting techniques.
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Cutaway of a pneumatic cushion
Product cutaway revealing inner working parts of a pneumatic cushion.
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Comparison cutaways
Double cutaway to highlight comparisons in a illustrative way. A clever way to show the differences between products.
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Geotextile cutaway illustration
You can’t get much more cutaway than this. This technical illustration cutaway was commissioned to promote engineering applications using geo textiles.
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Cross section cutaway illustration
Cross section showing different layers of materials used to protective membrane used in ground engineering.
Ecological dirty water system
Cutaway technical illustration showing the inner sections of a dirty water underground filtering system. The arrows show the direction of the water as it passes through the system.
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Cutaway technical illustration
Cutaway Technical illustration showing the different layers of manufacture to produce the dunlop vehicle 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.
Need more information? Call Adrian
07803126079
Want more information?
With over 30 years experience, I’m sure we can help you… make that call.