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

Way back in 2005, Mister Jalopy proposed an Owner's Bill of Rights, a maker's memorandum requesting repairability for the products around us. It became a manifesto for the maker community, a modus operandi for open sourcers and forward-thinking manufacturers.

I'm not the most capable maker - maybe only a tinkerer. But if something breaks I jump at the chance to take it apart, see how it works and try my best to repair it (what's the worst that can happen?). If the repair is a success, I've saved the world from having to produce another widget.

Repairability equals sustainability. That's what I like about this manifesto. And that's why I've illustrated it.

Labels: communication, creative commons, editorial illustration, infographics, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, July 14, 2009 ·

French company Nheolis manufactures a range of beautiful, compact, efficient and sculptural wind turbines. What I like about sustainable design is the constant innovation–the ongoing reassessment of the problem and development of new and unconventional solutions.

This cutaway illustration reveals the typical inner workings of a wind turbine: drive shaft, gearbox, brake and generator.

Labels: cutaway, phantom, technical illustration, technology, type

Posted by James Provost, July 8, 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 ·

After seeing my Cult of Done Poster, compulsive Maker extraordinaire Bre Pettis asked me to collaborate on MakerBot, a low-cost, modular, open-source 3D rapid prototyping printer kit. The build-it-yourself robot prints physical objects designed in 3D software using extruded molten plastic. Builders are encouraged to share the objects they design via Thingiverse and even contribute to the development and improvement of MakerBot itself!

My contribution to the project was of course the visuals. Together we developed an identity and imagery for MakerBot - a bold, playful retro-futuristic reality where a lunar office worker can email his son at home on Earth a toy he designed, and his son can remix and share it with friends.

To learn more, check out MakerBot Industries.

Labels: cutaway, exploded, robotics, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, April 1, 2009 ·

Cult of Cars blog Jalopnik has profiled legendary automotive illustrator Yoshihiro Inomoto.

With very little formal training, Inomoto began his career in 1952, long before the convenience and accuracy of computers, working in pencil and acrylic paints. Through his career he created highly detailed cutaway illustrations for Mazda, Nissan, Honda, Ferrari, Bugatti and publications like Automotive Quarterly.

These cutaways peeled away layers of stamped metal to reveal the latest technological developments in the automotive world, as well as inspiring the next generation of automotive engineers and technical illustrators.

Labels: automotive illustration, cutaway, phantom, product illustration, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, February 14, 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 ·

Fellow freelance illustrator and former classmate Cody Walker has been writing some great technical illustration tutorials for Adobe Illustrator over at VectorTuts.com.

So far he's covered orthographics, isometric projection, one-point, two-point and three-point perspective, as well as some great tips on using Illustrator in general.

These tutorials are a great start for anyone interested in technical illustration, but even graphic and web designers can benefit from learning how to create a quick 3D effect from 2D artwork.

Labels: technical illustration, tutorials

Posted by James Provost, January 18, 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 ·

In his article for The Boston Globe, Dushko Petrovich looks at the work of American wildlife illustrator John James Audubon and reveals why illustration remains the medium of choice for scientific reference.

"When we turn to a picture to identify a bird - or the human pancreas, or a Doric column - we want a likeness not of any particular instance, but of the category itself. Ignoring all the anomalies and idiosyncratic moments that cameras helplessly collect, a draftsman of Audubon's caliber is free to focus on what's essential or distinctive and distill those qualities - gathered from observing live birds, posing dead specimens, and studying skeletons - into an image that invites both recognition and classification."

"Confronted with unprecedented quantities of data, we are constantly reminded that quality is what really matters. At a certain point, the quality and even usefulness of information starts being defined not by the precision and voracity of technology, but by the accuracy and circumspection of art."

Labels: communication, scientific illustration, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, October 6, 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 ·

Many thanks to Charlene for featuring my Camry Hybrid Cutaway Illustration and my website on Illustrophile. My work is in good company on her blog.

Labels: automotive illustration, phantom, product illustration, recognition, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, October 19, 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 ·

Almost done the lineart. I'll probably start painting the body tomorrow. Four weeks, it's going to be a challenge.

Labels: automotive illustration, product illustration, technical illustration

Posted by James Provost, March 20, 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, March 14, 2007 ·

Related Sites

Colleagues & Associations

Sarah Jargstorf, Fred Hon, Tessar Lo, Rey Ortega, Chad Covino, Nataly Kim, Matt Hammill, Eshwin Dhir, Alexei Vella, Rosemary Travale, Paul Leli, Drawn

Site Links

Blog Labels

ARCHIVES

CONNECT