What is an Illustrated Standard?
The illustrated standard, sometimes referred to as the illustrated breed standard, demonstrates structure, movement, and important points of breed type which enable a dog to adhere to the principle of form follows function as correct for that breed of dog. Illustrated standards are used by AKC, UKC, CKC, FCI, and parent dog breed clubs around the world to create a visualization of the breed. The illustrated standard is an enduring tool for parent breed clubs in guiding and educating judges, breeders, club members, and students of the breed. This visualization of the breed can also be used as a judges' study guide, a tool which the American Kennel Club is encouraging breed clubs to utilize in education. The club's illustrated breed standard committee or judges' education committee works closely with the artist to achieve the highest level of educational functionality combined with an aesthetically pleasing presentation. The length of time to completion of an illustrated standard varies, and largely depends upon the committee's commitment to the project and united vision of what is correct for the particular breed of dog. The project can be completed in less than a year or could take much longer. The illustrated standard project requires much dedication and persistence on the part of all involved. It is a vital part of breed education that can also be presented in a beautiful way.
Learn more about the illustrated standard and process of creating a visualization of the breed standard by looking deeper into the portfolio, process, visual tricks, and the illustrated standard artist. The links at the top of the page and below will explore the process.
If you don't read everything in this site, please read this. There are many illustrations shown on the site and they are in shades of color. This is for visual interest only. Drawings for an illustrated standard are done in black and white so won't have special effects frames or colorful shadings unless they are added for your publication. Part of the learning process is keeping people interested so there are visual effects on the site. Your club may choose to add some in their final publication.
Click on any of the images below for more information.
Portfolio of Illustrated Standard Projects
Portfolio - My commissions represent the highest number of illustrated breed standards created by a single artist. It has been an honor to work with so many national breed clubs in helping to create their vision. This section lists those dog clubs, both past and present, and shows examples of drawings included in the projects.
The process of creating an illustrated standard publication
Process - Creating drawings for an illustrated breed standard provides many options and techniques which can be incorporated into showing each aspect of a breed. Explore the possibilities of portraying each unique breed in the most advantageous way to be a lasting and valuable tool for your club's judges' education and students of the breed.
Markings can be deceptive - explore possible optical illusions
Visual Tricks - Are we really seeing what we think we see? Is that dog long or does it have a great topline? Everyone looks at things a little differently than the next person. Using some non-dog examples, this page will demonstrate the visual connection between our eyes and our minds as it applies to the illustrated breed standard.
Meet the Illustrated Standard Artist
The Illustrated Standard Artist Bio - With commissions of twenty-one illustrated breed standard projects, to date, you may be wondering what experience and qualifications are helpful in an illustrated standard artist. This is a little something about my background, interests, and other artistic endeavors.
Read the Illustrated Standard Blog
How to Build a Dog - An illustrated standard artist's study of anatomy and what makes the canine function as the individual breed was intended. Sometimes we can meander to a bit of off-topic entertainment, but it all revolves around what makes a dog "a dog." Your participation is very much welcome!
How to Contact Illustrated Standard Artist
Contact Illustrated Standard - Let me hear from you if you have questions, are interested in beginning an illustrated standard project, or have a comment on the site.
