Illustration, in the traditional sense, was a supplemental and representational activity. Concept, thought provocation, and the ability to stand on its own as a message didn’t become mainstays of illustrators until more contemporary times. Imagery was simply meant to visualize the text while that text did the heavy lifting. This straightforward execution can still be used today as a viable direction. It helps, though, when the text is behaving in a way that mimics its meaning.