Moral and ethical considerations
As storytellers, narrative illustrators have a responsibility to be aware of how influential we can be to an audience. Illustrators should always understand this - we can have a strong impact on the viewer. It’s important to take into consideration who your audience is. Inclusivity should be used in illustrations for children's books, to help the child feel seen and represented. This is still important for older audiences as well.
“Our narratives have the power to smash stereotypes and misconceptions about marginalised communities, especially those perpetuating negative perceptions and discrimination.” Gauri S.
Over the years, negative stereotypes have perpetuated the narrative of many marginalised communities, and storytelling has played a large role in this. Our narrative illustrations should help to break these stereotypes wherever possible.
Artists should also take into consideration the materials they use in terms of environmental concerns. Certain inks and paints are detrimental to the earth, and there are other options of similar inks and paints. Artists should try to be as conscious of their footprint in the earth, especially when disposing of harmful materials. If an illustrator is working with an environmental team and actively harming the environment with either their influence or the creating, they need to take a step back and rethink what they're doing.