Visual artists create art to communicate ideas, thoughts or feelings. They use a variety of methods --painting, sculpting or illustrating-- and an assortment of materials, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pencils, pen and ink, photography, plaster, clay and computers. Their works may be realistic, stylized or abstract and may depict objects, people, nature or events. Visual artists are generally categorized in two groups. Fine artists create art to satisfy their own need for self-expression. Illustrators and graphic designers, on the other hand, put their artistic skills at the service of commercial clients, such as major corporations; retail stores; and advertising, design and publishing firms.