Illustration Vs Photos for Marketing
Illustrations and photography have been used extensively in marketing and sales for eons, and whilst one or the other have tended to dominate the commercial design world at times (in the 50’s for example, the use of illustration was profilic compared to today), both remain popular methods of visually communicating a brand message via advertising and marketing.
I would say that for some time now photography has dominated the commercial design world a considerable amount more than illustrative works do, however of recent years we have seen a delightful blend of the two art forms - a great example of a master of this is Brand Nu.
Whilst illustration use has declined in general, it’s use remains extensive in areas such as;
- fashion
- music
- interiors (wallpaper patterns for instance; that is illustration)
- film
- animation
- and more….
These are other ‘arts forms’ in my opinion and I suppose you could say - which means we have art representing art, and this is perhaps appropriate and the reason for the popularity of illustration in these areas still.
The Design Observer blog speculates that illustration is being used less by corporates and in my opinion especially business to business service providers because graphical design and typography (written words) is seen as a way of getting an explicit message across, and that conversely illustration is perceived as too arty and vague.
Illustrate For Sales, Not For Art
I disagree that illustration is always arty and vague, or that it can ‘only’ be this way. Illustration can be used to underline and bring to life an explicit sales message, or at least it should be when created for commercial advertising use.
When we need to develop is more commercially aware illustrators that understand how to design for business and not just for art. Not art for arts sake, but art for sales sake! When this happens, we will see an increase in the use of illustration in the commercial world.
The question is will ‘3d or scultural’ art/design ever have a place in the commercial design world? 
