Spot Illustration Question

[Ed O]

Do spot illustrations always have just a plain white background? I was thinking about maybe adding a subtle color or textured background behind my tiger.

Would it no longer be a spot illustration if I did that?

[smceccarelli]

I would still consider it a spot illustration even if the background is a gradient or a color card. For me it has more to do with the fact that the background has not been worked in as part of the illustration. I think if there is a background but it does not bleed to the edges is then called a vignettes (though I am not sure this naming is so universal). BTW, I am currently re-reading a favorite book and an absolute masterpiece "Creative Illustration" by A. Loomis. It has several pages just going through the several types of vignettes and spot illustrations, very enlightening!

[Ed O]

Thanks a lot for your input, @smceccarelli! I'll definitely have to check out that book : )