Technology Spot Illustrations

December 22, 2014

Fixing Blind Spots with Augmented Reality

Robot Hand Sweat Sensor

 

Some recent spot illustrations for IEEE: Spectrum magazine. A system that uses a camera, projector and retroreflective fabric to reveal blind spots to drivers, a more sensitive robotic hand, and an adhesive sensor that analyzes sweat.


Brain Hacks

November 27, 2014

 

Electroconvulsive Therapy Deep Brain Stimulation Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Spot illustrations comparing various methods of electrical brain stimulation. For a Science News article on at-home brain stimulation for improving working memory, increasing attention span, and overclocking math skills, as well as potentially reducing depression and chronic pain, some studies suggest. Thanks to Marcy for the really interesting project!


Ford Transit Campaign

November 27, 2014

Ford Transit Ad Illustration Ford Transit Ad Illustration Ford Transit Ad Illustration

I worked with Y&R Canada to produce this series of line illustrations for a campaign for the 2015 Ford Transit. Look for it in small business and trade magazines. Big thanks to Mario and Natee for the great project!


Architectural Cutaway for Missouri S&T

November 26, 2014

Architectural Cutaway Illustration

I recently worked with Mindy Limback and Nikkole Pirch at Missouri S&T Magazine to create this cutaway illustration of Bertelsmeyer Hall, a new sciences building on campus. Below are some rough sketches to explore possible angles.

Rough Drawings


How To Drive

October 9, 2014

How To Drive by Ben Collins

Ben Collins, perhaps best known as The Stig on BBC’s Top Gear, has a new book out in the UK today entitled How To Drive – The Ultimate Guide From The Man Who Was The Stig. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Collins to create some instructional illustrations to help explain some of the concepts in his book.

Rotational Steering from How To Drive

Topics covered range from the fundamentals like sitting posture, hand placement and visualizing potential hazards, to more – um – practical instruction like how to skid 180° into a parallel parking space.

Handbrake 180 into Parallel Parking Space

It was an honour to work with Ben and to have a chance to swap stories with an automotive icon, like driving an Aston Martin for James Bond, or beating on a rented Hyundai Accent (guess whose story is whose). Hopefully the book will see a North American release soon!


A Breath of Fresh Air

September 22, 2014

JamesProvost.comWelcome to the new JamesProvost.com. The changes may seem subtle, but everything has been redesigned from the ground up to look great no matter what device you’re using.

I’m particularly proud of my new portfolio. The images are larger and clearer. Projects are presented more cleanly. You can see my whole breadth of work at a glance, or you can filter it down by style or subject matter. I’m so happy to be able to share the great projects I’ve been a part of, and want to thank all my clients for the opportunity.

I look forward to writing more about recent projects, my illustration process and maybe a tutorial or two in the near future. Keep in touch on Twitter, Dribbble, Behance, Flickr or my RSS feed.

If you’re not a big fan of redesigns, my previous site has been archived in its entirety. If you’re encountering any problems with the new site, please let me know.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this happen!


Cutaway Illustration Process

February 5, 2014

Cold Compression Wrap Cutaway Illustration

I recently worked with Game Ready to create this cutaway illustration of one of their cold compression wraps.

The process began with a conversation about their goals for the illustration, the function of the device, and the features and details to be highlighted. Game Ready sent me a prototype device to photograph for reference as well as some sample materials to cut open.

Reference Photos

Next, I produced a series of sketches to establish the content of the illustration, the viewing angle, and appropriate locations for cut away sections.

Sketch

Once the sketch was approved I created the line art, a tightened line drawing based on the sketch. The line art is separated into layers, allowing me to later ghost out certain layers of material.

Line Art

Finally, the line art is painted to communicate the colours, materials and finish of the product. Arrows are added to describe the function and operation of the device. For more, visit my technical illustration portfolio.

Many thanks to Winston Albert and Kelly Hansen for this great project.


Can-Am Off-Road Showdown

October 24, 2013

Off-Road Vehicles Illustration

I recently completed a series of line illustrations for Can-Am’s Off-Road Showdown, a tool for comparing 39 competing ATVs and side-by-side vehicles based on their performance, handling and design. The illustrations also appear on point-of-sale displays in Can-Am dealers. Check out my Line Illustration portfolio for similar work. Thanks to Sarah and Xavier for the great project!

Flexible Solar Panels

I’ve also added new work to my Motion Graphics portfolio including an interactive module on flexible solar panels for MIT’s Technology Review.

 


Updates

August 30, 2013

Bullitt Center

It’s been another busy summer for technical illustration. Unfortunately, there’s little that I can share at the moment.

Above is a piece I did for Inc. magazine about the Bullitt Center. Read more about it in my technical illustration portfolio. I’ve also added work to the infographics portfolio. While you’re at it, check out Textbook Example, my editorial portfolio and alter ego of sorts.


IEEE Wins Grand Neal Award

March 14, 2013

automated-external-defibrillator-illustration

A story I illustrated for IEEE Spectrum Magazine has been recognized with a Grand Neal Award for Best Single Article, a top honour in business-to-business editorial publications.

A Shocking Truth [PDF] exposed the design, engineering and maintenance problems that commonly cause automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to fail. My contribution was a half-page cutaway line illustration revealing the fatal flaws of the device.

Congratulations to everyone at IEEE, and thanks to Brandon for the great assignment!