Research, from reading books or the newspaper to using your eyes and ears in the outside world, is essential to any artist, not just illustrators, although illustration will be focussed upon in this blog post. It deepens one's understanding of the subject assigned, and if the illustration is a successful one, it will at least make a contribution to the reader's understanding.
For example, a caricaturist spends much of his or her time studying human anatomy and how the muscles, bones and joints are structured in order to be able to exaggerate them effectively. An illustrator for young children would study popular picture books, animated TV shows and toys, and maybe even ask a classroom of children about what they think and what holds their interest. A cartoonist who works with newspapers will keep up to date with current affairs and populat figures of the day, and if their art is particularly political they may research further into satire. When an illustrator specialises into a certain area (if at all), research is still very much needed, and there are many sources to draw inspiration from.
An artist will also collect things that they find of interest regardless of whether it relates to the subject they work in, and it will become research in the form of expanding one's 'visual vocabulary'. This includes rubbings of fascinating textures, saving old train tickets, taking photographs, postcards of another artist's work that they feel inspired by, trying out an unusual media or technique - experimentation is extremely important to the development of an artist and a particular style. Illustration is very diverse and adaptable, and it's very easy to not only be confused about your own style, but to be 'stuck in a rut'. Pictured above is Wreck This Journal, by Keri Smith, a book in which wacky experimentation, making a huge mess and completely letting go is the whole point. It helps one to find techniques they like, or even may inspire a drawing style. Pictured below is Smith's introduction to the journal, which sums up the topic nicely:
Images used:
http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kowhv8J3aq1qz76g8o1_500.jpg
http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174674083l/428862.jpg
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