Gouache

Term from Book Illustration industry explained for recruiters

Gouache is a type of paint that illustrators and artists use to create artwork for books, magazines, and other publications. It's similar to watercolor but more opaque, which means it creates solid, vibrant colors that work well for print reproduction. Illustrators often choose gouache because it photographs and scans well, can create both detailed and broad areas of color, and allows for easy corrections. When you see this term in a resume, it indicates that the candidate has experience with a professional-grade illustration medium commonly used in publishing and commercial art.

Examples in Resumes

Created children's book illustrations using Gouache and mixed media techniques

Developed editorial illustrations with Gouache for major magazine publications

Produced series of Gouache paintings for educational textbook illustrations

Typical job title: "Book Illustrators"

Also try searching for:

Children's Book Illustrator Editorial Illustrator Commercial Artist Publication Illustrator Art Director Graphic Artist Visual Development Artist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you approach art direction and maintaining consistency across a book project?

Expected Answer: A senior illustrator should discuss project management skills, creating style guides, maintaining color consistency, and working with publishers' requirements while managing junior artists.

Q: How do you handle tight deadlines while maintaining quality in your gouache illustrations?

Expected Answer: Should explain their workflow organization, time management strategies, and techniques for efficient gouache application while maintaining professional standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What considerations do you take into account when creating illustrations for print vs digital use?

Expected Answer: Should discuss color management, scanning techniques, resolution requirements, and how gouache properties affect reproduction in different media.

Q: How do you handle client revisions to gouache illustrations?

Expected Answer: Should explain their approach to making corrections, working in layers, and techniques for preserving original artwork while accommodating changes.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is your process for preparing and using gouache in professional illustration?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of mixing colors, understanding paint consistency, and maintaining professional quality in their work.

Q: How do you ensure your gouache illustrations meet print requirements?

Expected Answer: Should show understanding of basic color theory, scanning requirements, and working with art directors' specifications.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic gouache painting techniques
  • Color mixing and matching
  • Simple composition skills
  • Basic digital preparation of artwork

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced illustration techniques
  • Project timeline management
  • Client communication
  • Style adaptation abilities

Senior (5+ years)

  • Art direction capabilities
  • Complex project management
  • Team leadership
  • Advanced technical expertise

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No physical portfolio of gouache work
  • Inability to match colors consistently
  • Poor understanding of print requirements
  • Lack of experience with deadlines
  • No knowledge of industry standard practices