London-based visual artist Ian McKinnell specialises in photorealistic digital illustration, high-end retouching, advanced compositing & AI. With roots in professional photography and fine art, his work pushes realism beyond the camera—transforming impossible concepts into believable imagery.
Logitech Gaming California This long-term packaging design project for involved over 100 high-detail photorealistic and X-ray 3D CGI product illustrations by Ian. Look behind the scenes of how they were created here: Logitech
Radio Times London: a combination of Ian’s photography, retouching & illustration. Awarded the magazine ‘Cover of the Century’ by the Professional Publishers Association (PPA). View the creative process of how it was made here: Behind The Scenes: Vote Dalek
Wedding Disasters | Guardian Weekend Magazine. Commended in the BIPP Masters of Print Competition.
Commissioned by the Radio Times: Radio 2 in meltdown
Beyond Photography – Creating the Impossible
Ian is a London-based digital illustrator and professional retoucher specialising in photorealistic illustration, high-end image retouching, CGI visualisation & AI. His work brings to life products, concepts, and perspectives that can’t be captured through traditional photography.
With expertise in creative retouching, AI, digital compositing, 3D rendering & product visualisation, Ian creates striking visuals for advertising, editorial, packaging, and digital campaigns—helping brands and agencies worldwide communicate ideas with clarity and impact.
Awards & Recognition
Ian’s work has been recognised by leading creative institutions, including Magazine Cover of the Century, D&AD (Yellow Pencil), the Association of Photographers Annual Awards, the International Print Biennale, and Northern Young Contemporaries. Commended in the British Institute of Professional Photographers Print Masters 2025/26 for Fine Art & Digital Creation. His imagery has also appeared in many award-winning editorial and magazine cover projects.
Based in Bloomsbury, London, UK | Available for Global Projects
Golf Magazine|Sports Illustrated, US
High-End Retouching Services
As a high-end professional retoucher, Ian specialises in:
Product retouching – seamless enhancement of materials, textures, and finishes
Beauty & fashion retouching – refined skin work, facial detail, and lighting for a natural, high-end look
Complex image compositing – blending photography and CGI into flawless, hyper-realistic visuals
