Illustrated A to Z of Fruit and Veg. A collection of 26 illustrations of fruit and vegetables. From A is for avocado, through F is for Fennel and R is for Radish, to Z is for Zucchini. © Tasha Goddard 2021 | tashagoddard.com

Food illustrator: Uses for food illustration

19 April 2022 0 comments Article Blog, Illustration discussion

This is part of a series of blog posts about different uses for illustration (particularly focusing on the themes and topics that I like to illustrate).

While I don’t especially like to pigeon-hole myself too much, I do tend to think of myself as a lifestyle illustrator, with a particular focus on, or love of, illustrating the everyday. And food illustration most certainly falls within everyday illustration, while also being able to encompass luxury and aspiration.

I think there can be a tendency to assume that the main use for food illustration would be cook books, but there are many potential uses for food illustration!

Potential uses for food illustration

Illustrating branded packaging

For example, for food and drink brands for their social media, newsletters, or even advertising

Illustration of a box of Maldon sea salt flakes by Tasha Goddard — Illustration of a box of Maldon sea salt flakes

Decorative illustration of a jar of Marmite by Tasha Goddard — Illustration of a box of Maldon sea salt flakes

Illustrated recipes

For example, for recipe cards, cook books, food magazines or food columns in newspapers

Illustrated recipe for aubergine and tomato sauce by Tasha Goddard. 2 aubergines, 1 tin tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 4 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tube of tomato puree, salt — Illustrated recipe for aubergine and tomato sauce

Illustrated recipe of vegan banana muffins. By Tasha Goddard. Whisk together 4 mushed very ripe bananas, 75 millilitres vegetable oil, 100 grams soft brown sugar. Then sift in 200 grams self-raising flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder. Then optionally fold in 2 handfuls of sultanas or raisins. And finally bake in a muffin tray at gas mark 5 for 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy! — Illustrated recipe for aubergine and tomato sauce

Illustrating meals and kitchen objects

For example, for cook books, food magazines, lifestyle books and articles, social media posts, wall art

Illustration of breakfast by Tasha Goddard — Illustration of breakfast

Illustration of a citrus juicer by Tasha Goddard — Illustration of breakfast

Illustrating individual food items

For example, for nutritional lists, food books, lifestyle social media or online articles, packaging for food companies

Illustration of a nappa cabbage by Tasha Goddard — Illustration of a nappa cabbage

Illustration of a mushroom by Tasha Goddard — Illustration of a nappa cabbage

Illustrating drinks

For example, for drink industry advertising and social media, food and drink magazines, cocktail books, or maybe just general lifestyle purposes to illustrate the variety of rituals and comfort that goes with drinks of different kinds

Illustration of gin and tonic by Tasha Goddard — Illustration of gin and tonic

Illustration of a bottle and glass of prosecco on a table by Tasha Goddard — Illustration of gin and tonic

Illustrating types of food or nutrition types

For example, for instructional leaflets, posters, presentations, for tote bags, or packaging for fruit and veg companies

Illustration of some fall foods (or autumn foods) by Tasha Goddard — Illustration of some fall foods (or autumn foods)

Illustrated list of plant-based proteins by Tasha Goddard — Illustration of some fall foods (or autumn foods)

If you’re a food illustrator, what types of uses have you illustrated for? I’m sure there are lots more that I haven’t covered here!

If you’re an art director or designer commissioning illustrations, what purposes have you used food illustration for?

And, if you’re looking to commission some food illustration, and you feel my style would work for your purposes, please do reach out – see the Get in Touch page for my contact information and see the Food & Drink part of my portfolio for more examples of my food illustration.

Food illustrator: Uses for food illustration