There are many types of illustration styles and approaches. Select a style that is appropriate for the publication’s content and intended purpose. Ready-made illustrations can be sourced from online libraries, but you might need to commission illustrations that are relevant to your content.

Be wary of using clip art because it is often generic, low quality and inconsistent in style, and can make your publication look less professional.

When using multiple illustrations in a publication, keep them consistent in technique, style and presentation. They can be included as:

• figures that directly illuminate the text
• supplementary images that support and are relevant to, but are not directly mentioned in, the text
• decorative elements.

Standard conventions for technical and scientific illustrations include:

• standardisation of the light source across illustrations
• a standard shading formula – for example, upper left highlight, then intermediate tone, then darkest tone, then reflected light at bottom
• reference to a scale
• items arranged according to function
• an orientation in relation to the viewer
• if published online, alternative text for accessibility.