Open Side Menu Search Icon
thumbnailThe content displayed below is for educational and archival purposes only.
Unless stated otherwise, content is © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

You may be able to find the original on wol.jw.org
Video above © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

00:05 A visual aid often makes a clearer 00:09 or more lasting impression on the mind than does the spoken word. 00:17 Under the direction of the Writing Committee, 00:19 the Art Department has enjoyed 00:22 the privilege of designing and illustrating Bible literature 00:25 for almost 40 years. 00:27 The department was established sometime before 1976. 00:32 But a small team of artists 00:34 had been working on illustrations and typography 00:38 from as far back as the “Photo-Drama of Creation.” 00:44 The work of publishing Bible literature has seen many changes. 00:49 Now there are EPUBs, interactive PDFs, 00:53 Web design, and HTML content, 00:57 all of which require new skills 01:01 as well as close collaboration 01:03 with many other Bethel departments. 01:07 The Art Department is structured into teams. 01:11 Each team is made up of designers, photographers, 01:15 illustrators, prop and set makers, 01:18 costume and makeup artists, 01:21 as well as production workers. 01:25 The team lead and the scheduler work directly 01:27 with the Writing Department contact known as a compiler. 01:32 After receiving an early version of the text, 01:34 the three brothers discuss 01:36 the purpose and possible look of the design. 01:40 All on the team are invited to collaborate 01:42 as concepts are developed. 01:45 Each member contributes to the overall design of a project. 01:51 Before any production work is started, 01:53 concepts are sketched and developed. 01:59 These sketches become a blueprint 02:01 that helps the team understand the concept, 02:05 plan the resources, 02:08 and ensure that the project stays on track. 02:15 Who is the target audience? 02:18 How will this publication be used? 02:22 The design should be clear and simple. 02:28 And it needs to work in all languages. 02:32 This is no small task. 02:37 When the design is ready, 02:39 the compiler presents a mock-up of the publication 02:42 to the Writing Committee. 02:44 The committee reviews the design and makes any needed adjustments. 02:50 After the concept is approved, production begins. 02:55 Around the world, there are many photographers 02:59 who work part-time to assist in providing images. 03:04 Photographs are also taken in our studio 03:07 and other locations. 03:10 These images help give our publications an international look. 03:19 Accuracy is vital. 03:22 A researcher provides historical references and inspiration. 03:28 Hair, makeup, and costumes 03:32 are designed to depict the time period and region. 03:37 Props, set design, and lighting 03:40 provide the right look and setting. 03:44 When combined, 03:46 each element helps tell the story 03:48 and capture the imagination of the viewer. 03:52 Sets are also built in 3D programs. 03:55 They can be used as art source 03:59 or as final illustrations. 04:10 Whether painted digitally or with traditional materials, 04:15 the artist renders the illustration 04:17 in a style suited for its final use. 04:24 When design meets illustration, 04:27 infographics are born. 04:34 After final approval by the Writing Committee, 04:37 files are sent to the printeries 04:39 and to the website or used to create other digital versions. 04:46 In order to reach the hearts of those who read a Bible-based publication, 04:51 hands and hearts have to be involved in its creation. 04:56 Those of us in the Art Department 04:59 consider it a privilege to give support to the most urgent of all work 05:05 —preaching the good news.