Ian McKinnell is a London-based visual artist specialising in photorealistic digital illustration, creative retouching and advanced image compositing. With a background in professional photography and fine art, Ian’s work bridges realism and imagination - bringing to life objects, concepts, and perspectives that traditional cameras can’t capture.
Logitech Gaming California: a long term packaging project involving over 100 of Ian’s photo realistic and x-ray 3D CGI illustrations
Radio Times London: a combination of Ian’s photography, retouching & illustration. Awarded the ‘Cover of the Century’ by the Professional Publishers Association. See how it was created here: Behind The Scenes
Wedding Disasters | Guardian Weekend Magazine
Commissioned by the Radio Times: Radio 2 in meltdown
Ian is a London-based digital artist specialising in photorealistic illustrations of objects that don’t yet exist and CGI visualisations from impossible perspectives. Futuristic inventions and stylised x-rays to glowing neon typography, fluid simulations, and hyper-detailed product renders—if it can be imagined, Ian can bring your creative vision to life.
An expert in 3D modelling, rendering, retouching, and digital compositing, Ian crafts compelling visuals for advertising, editorial, packaging, and digital campaigns. His work enables brands, agencies, and publishers around the world to present products and ideas in extraordinary, high-impact ways—pushing beyond the boundaries of conventional photography.
Awards & Recognitions
Magazine Cover of the Century | D&AD Yellow Pencils | Association of Photographers Annual Awards | International Print Biennale|Northern Young Contemporaries
Based in Bloomsbury, London, UK | Available for Global Projects
Case Study: Logitech Packaging & Advertising
For Logitech, Ian transformed technical CAD files into photorealistic 3D models, creating high-resolution product imagery and x-ray-style internal visualisations. The final images were seamlessly blended in Photoshop, resulting in a visually compelling and informative composition. [See the creative process here].
Beyond Photography – Creating the Impossible with CGI
Golf Magazine|Sports Illustrated, US
As a high-end retoucher, Ian’s expertise spans:
Product retouching – seamless retouching enhancing materials, textures & finishes
Beauty & fashion retouching – Perfecting skin, facial details & lighting for a natural look
Complex image compositing – Blending multiple photography & CGI elements into a flawless, hyper-realistic visual
Ian also teaches advanced retouching techniques, helping creative professionals refine their craft.
Clients include:
Packaging: Logitech, Shell
Financial Services: Franklin Templeton, Venture Finance, Liberty Mutual
Retail: Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Boots, Sainsbury's, Waterstones
Jewellery: Citizen Watches, Garrard
Technology: Apple, Microsoft
Magazines: Elle, The Observer, Time, The Radio Times, Blueprint, New Scientist, World of Interiors, Architects Journal, Architectural Review
Publishing: Penguin, Random House, DK Books, Octopus Publishing
Sports: Golf magazine, Boat International
Travel: New Zealand Government, Transport for London
Music: Island records, Decca, Philips, BBC, 4AD
Cosmetics: Pheora Rucci, Dove
Furniture and Design: Vitsoe, Vitra Design Museum, Danny Lane, Daiko Electric, Japan
Architecture: Fletcher Priest, Axis Design, Imagination, Design House
Animation: BBC Television, Supponor
