An introduction to the manifesto for illustration pedagogy: A lexicon for contemporary illustration practice

Abstract As illustration educators our role is to be at the forefront of championing the development and understanding of our subject. Through practice, debate and research we strive to extend the remits of contemporary illustration and provoke debate as to what may be achieved at the very heights of ambition. Questioning of the potentials of illustration has never been more urgent as we work to prepare students to enter into a rapidly expanding field. Changes in industry, the vast expansion of potential platforms and the shifting of hierarchy as illustrators become more autonomous has prompted professionals to interrogate new ways to apply their diverse skill sets. This, met with the development of illustration taught as an independent subject not beholden to other graphic art forms, has seen the emergence of increasingly experimental and interdisciplinary uses and placements of illustrative work. Within our community of educators there is a concerted effort to establish new benchmarks for the study of our subject, to provoke aspirational thinking amongst our student cohorts and to facilitate pioneering practice. The Manifesto for Illustration Pedagogy intends to nurture ambition for the future of contemporary illustration practice and support the development of a discipline-specific critical vocabulary.