An illustration is a visual representation of a concept or process, created from scratch by an illustrator or artist. There is no one size fits all.

Imagine this: you are browsing through your competitors website, studying and analysing their marketing strategies, then, you see an image that is vastly similar to what you have on your own website. Think of how this might impact your business.

One way of differentiating is through custom illustrations. An illustration is a visual representation of a concept or process, created from scratch by an illustrator or artist. There is no one size fits all when it comes to illustrations. But how do you decide which illustration style aligns with your brand? Here are 7 illustration styles for you to choose from:

1. Line Illustrations: less is more

Sometimes, a line is all you need. Line illustration often proves that less is indeed more. It is an art where lines are used to create a graphical object, resulting in clean and minimal designs.

2. Flat Vectors: pixel-perfect vectors

As its name suggests, flat vector is named for its absence of 3D elements and effects, such as gradients, textures, shadows, highlights, etc. It helps viewers focus more on the content by removing the distraction of visual effects.

3. 3D Illustrations: artistic illusions

As opposed to flat vector, 3D illustration uses techniques such as dimensions, shadows and highlights to simulate depth, hence, creating an illusion where the object is three-dimensional.

4. Playful Doodles: playfully adorable

Doodle is a way of spontaneous self-expression. When adapted into designs, these illustrations result in a fun and playful look – a great way to attract and engage viewers.

5. Watercolour Illustrations: timeless beauty

Traditionally, watercolour illustrations are created with paint and brushes. But with technology and cutting-edge design software, these techniques can now be replicated digitally and adapted into designs.

6. Multiple exposures: emotionally engaging

Source: I am Gabz

In photography, a multiple exposure is created when 2 or more exposures are superimposed to create a final image. It evokes a combination of thoughts and feelings in the viewer in an emotionally engaging way. Similar to watercolour illustrations, this effect can be replicated easily. All you need is a good eye, a little creativity, and the right software.

7. Stippling: simply dot-tastic

Source: Pinterest

Stippling is a shading technique where you create a drawing with a multitude of small dots. The darker the shading, the more dots you need. It is a painstaking technique that requires immense discipline and precision; but when done right, gives your shading a unique, handcrafted texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of outlines.

Talk to us and let us help you convey your messages through bespoke illustrations.