James Provost Illustration

Information Matters.
Communicate it visually.

Specializing in technical & scientific illustration, James Provost Illustration reveals hidden value and evokes new perspectives.

For samples, view the
Technical Illustration Portfolio

Los Vesparados: Art of the Scooter opens tomorrow in Minneapolis, MN. My contribution fuses technical illustration with the style of vintage travel posters. Prints will be available for purchase at the show, and from ImageKind. The show features an impromptu scooter show, vintage scooter memorabilia, mod tunes and lots of great artwork. If you're in Minneapolis, definitely check this one out.

Labels: cutaway, editorial illustration, event, exploded, in print

Posted by James Provost, June 12, 2009 ·

I put together this video showing my process for creating an illustration for Open Mind Magazine, reducing 15 hours of work to about two minutes. The illustration deals with Building Information Modeling (BIM), the new generation of CAD software that lets architects design the entirety of a building in one workflow.

See the final architectural illustration.

Labels: architectural illustration, cutaway, in print, motion graphics, portfolio, technical illustration, tutorials

Posted by James Provost, May 4, 2009 ·

Extruded 3D type for an Alberta Venture Magazine article speculating when oilsands investments will see a recovery. 3 out of 10 delegates polled predicted sector spending to return in 2015.

In the end, the background had to be flattened and subdued a bit to allow copy and other graphics to run overtop. See the final in print.

This was a quick turnaround project, and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Labels: 3D, in print, industrial, infographics, portfolio, type

Posted by James Provost, April 13, 2009 ·

I just wrapped up a personal project that's been on my backburner for some time, an illustrated collection of my favourite iconic mid-century modern furniture. Included are designs by Eames, Jacobsen, van der Rohe, le Corbusier, and more, forty pieces in all.

It started as a project to develop my editorial illustration - to find a way of working with a certain character, tone & simplicity - for when things need to be communicated more abstractly than with the objectivity of technical illustration.

Prints of the poster are available via ImageKind.

Labels: editorial illustration, in print

Posted by James Provost, April 3, 2009 ·

Marketel has been recognized with an Applied Arts Interactive Media Award for Leaveless, Air Canada's environmental responsibility site. I provided illustrations for the site, in the style of safety brochures found on planes, to explain Air Canada's safety measures against climate change.

Well done Marketel and Air Canada!

Labels: aerospace illustration, communication, in print, interactive, motion graphics, recognition

Posted by James Provost, March 12, 2009 ·

I'd just like to take a minute to wish everyone happy holidays and say thanks for a great year. I'm sending out a holiday card and thought I'd share it here.

Green technology has been top-of-mind throughout 2008 - hybrid cars, solar panels and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) were all trendsetting Google search terms. If that isn't evidence that innovation will help solve the problem of climate change, than perhaps Santa Claus' response is.

The technical illustration shows how Santa's new sleigh (and of course, his organically-raised, free-range reindeer) address the environmental issues of today. And for those of you who were naughty, don't expect coal - think carbon offsets.

Wishing you a coal-free holiday!

P.S. If you'd like to receive quarterly updates from me, please subscribe to my newsletter.

Labels: communication, cutaway, in print, infographics, portfolio, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, December 12, 2008 ·

Air Canada's new environmental responsibility site, Leaveless, is now live. Featuring flight safety styled technical illustrations by me, the site explains the company's green initiatives including more fuel efficient aircraft, weight reductions and trials with hydrogen fueled ground vehicles. Hats off to Air Canada for taking measures for a greener world.

Labels: aerospace illustration, in print, interactive, motion graphics, technical illustration, technology

Posted by James Provost, November 4, 2008 ·

Alberta Venture Magazine asked me to create a 3D typographic trophy for the cover of their annual Venture 100, a roundup of the 100 largest companies headquartered in Alberta. The image communicates the prestige of being a part of this elite group.

See the work and read more here.

Labels: 3D, in print, portfolio

Posted by James Provost, September 27, 2008 ·

I recently illustrated a series of architectural cutaways for the article A Change of Plans in the August issue of Alberta Venture Magazine. Drawing inspiration from architects Rem Koolhaas, Frank Gehry and Daniel Libeskind, the conceptual structure is used to explain Building Information Management (BIM) software, which aided in the design and construction of Calgary's EnCana Corporation office tower, or the Bow by Foster and Partners.



Update: View the finals here. A Change of Plans

Labels: architectural illustration, cutaway, in print

Posted by James Provost, August 13, 2008 ·

I've begun distributing a promo postcard, "Information Matters."

Using controversial subject matter, the taser device, it explores the importance of information, and the clarity with which it can be communicated visually, in compelling and provoking viewers.

The images used on the postcard can be seen (and zoomed) in the technical illustration portfolio.

If you'd like to receive a copy of this postcard, simply fill out this subscription form.

Labels: communication, cutaway, in print, infographics, phantom, portfolio, product illustration, scientific illustration, technical illustration, technology

Posted by James Provost, June 5, 2008 ·

The latest issue of Canadian Woodworking Magazine, illustrated in part by me, will be appearing in finer stores and mailboxes near you in the next couple weeks. The October/November 2007 issue features about 15 spots, illustrating project measurements & assembly and woodworking tools & terminology.

Kudos to Mike Del Rizzo's lead illustrations, which look great.

Labels: exploded, in print, instructional illustration, portfolio, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, September 10, 2007 ·

The latest issue of hybrid-lit/arts magazine Carousel is out now, including a two-page vignette from my graphic novel, Jonas (in progress). Look for it in finer bookstores.

Labels: in print

Posted by James Provost, June 26, 2007 ·

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