12-2
FIVE KINDS OF ILLUSTRATIONS*
1. Photo with background complete
2. Photo with background cut away
or ‘whited out’
Appropriate if background adds to the
message (but here it adds nothing and
confuses).
Appropriate for many health
illustrations. Subject stands out more
clearly. Less confusing.
3. Shaded drawing
4. Line drawing
5. Stylized drawing
Usually less appropriate
because it is difficult
for people to copy and
because heavy shadows
can be confusing. (People
might wonder, “Why is
the baby’s neck black?”)
Usually less appropriate.
Simplified so much that
personal quality is lost.
People will not identify
as much with these
characters.
Often most appropriate
because it is relatively
simple, yet adequately
detailed. Relatively easy
for people to copy for
flip charts or posters.
Notice that in this book and in Where There Is No Doctor we mostly use simple line
drawings. As a result, many health workers have copied them for posters and other
health education materials.
*These drawings and photos are from Teaching For Better Learning, by Fred R. Abbatt, World Health
Organization, 1980.