So, what are we talking about when we talk about illustration? An illustration is a visual representation of an idea or a concept created by an artist – and usually, when we’re talking about it in design, we’re talking about a drawing. In modern design, this could be created in traditional media – in other words, with paper and pencil – or digitally, using a design program. Illustrations are used in books, magazines, and websites, as well as marketing material across print, social media, and video.