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

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 ·

The Vancouver International Boat Show opens today, so I thought I'd create a micro-site that highlights some of my marine illustration.

I'll be heading over shortly to check out the latest in marine technology and snap a few photos.

Labels: cutaway, instructional illustration, marine, portfolio, product illustration, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, February 4, 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 ·

New to the site is a phantom illustration of a cordless circular saw featuring the next generation of rechargable batteries. Nanophosphate lithium-ion batteries are said to recharge in minutes rather than hours, have ten times the life cycle and double the capacity of current rechargable batteries.

These batteries are currently being tested in consumer electronics, hardware and automotive applications and are expected on the shelf in the next 18 months. This technology will power products that are greener, more affordable and longer-lasting.

Labels: cutaway, industrial, phantom, portfolio, product illustration

Posted by James Provost, October 20, 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'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 ·

1. The 700 MHz band will be vacated by TV broadcasters
2. Broadcasters will switch to Digital Television (DTV)
3. The 700 MHz band will be used to build a new nation-wide wireless network
4. The new network will have more coverage and faster connections
5. The new network will be open to all devices
6. All devices will be open to third party software
7. The new network will be cost you less

Want to know more? Download the PDF:
7 Things to Know About the FCC's 700 MHz Auction

Labels: communication, creative commons, industrial, infographics, portfolio, product illustration, technical illustration, technology

Posted by James Provost, April 18, 2008 ·

Recently completed a cutaway illustration of an 80-foot flybridge megayacht and its cabin.

Technical illustration allows for the communication of a vast amount of visual information. In this case, the entirety of the vessel - inside and out - can be presented in a single image. The quality of design, materials and finishes can be emphasized. At the same time, distracting details such as bilge pumps and thrusters can be diminished or omitted to maintain clarity.

To capture the same amount of information with product photography would require numerous shots from various angles, each diminishing valuable layout space - and more importantly - diminishing the viewer's attention.

Labels: cutaway, marine, portfolio, product illustration, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, March 22, 2008 ·

Plas-Tech is a one-stop plastic component design & manufacturing company. They came to me with a problem; their equipment enables them to manufacture virtually anything, but their customers work in very specific industries. Together we developed a package that communicates the breadth of their capabilities, as well as demonstrates specialization in their customers' markets.

See an interactive tour of their facility and target markets in the Motion Graphics Portfolio.

Labels: architectural illustration, cutaway, industrial, interactive, portfolio, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, December 7, 2007 ·

Made a couple additions to the site: An illustration of Boston Dynamics robotic mule, BigDog, and a spot illustration for Canadian Woodworking Magazine. Also made some minor layout changes and major backend changes that should improve the efficiency of the site.

Labels: portfolio, product illustration, robotics, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, November 10, 2007 ·

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 ·

Added a set of instructional illustrations done for Downtown Toyota to the Illustration Portfolio. These illustrations were part of a guide to orient new and returning customers to their newly renovated facilities.

Also new to the site is a Style Pricing Guide to help prospective clients match an appropriate style to their budget.

I've added a link to a friend, colleague, and amazing portrait illustrator Paul Leli. Watch out for his work in Spin and Rolling Stone.

Labels: architectural illustration, automotive illustration, industrial, instructional illustration, portfolio, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, September 7, 2007 ·

Just added some new work to my illustration and motion graphics portfolios. Good things are happening.

Labels: automotive illustration, interactive, phantom, portfolio, product illustration, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, May 23, 2007 ·

A couple more motion graphics projects added to that section. The first for Scientific Illustration 3 last year showing the anatomy of a Purging Buckthorn tree down to cellular level, the second a presentation introduction for Global Stainless.

Labels: industrial, interactive, motion graphics, portfolio, scientific illustration

Posted by James Provost, March 14, 2007 ·

Some additions to my illustration and new motion graphics portfolios. I've taken down the comics section because I have very little time to dedicate to it. Look for it going back up sometime in May.

Labels: exploded, industrial, infographics, interactive, motion graphics, portfolio, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, ·

Added two architectural illustrations from last semester to the Illustration Portfolio. I'll get some graphic design and motion graphics up this week.

Labels: architectural illustration, portfolio

Posted by James Provost, February 25, 2007 ·

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