Which illustration style is perfect for your brand?

Written by Brodi-Rose Newsome

Different illustration styles appeal to different audiences, so I'm passionate about matching your illustrations to your brand to make sure it's connecting to your ideal audience.

Here's are some illustrations I offer, and the variety of different styles:

#1 - Detailed Modern

This illustration style is perfect for up-close portraits that focus on capturing personal features such as eyes, mouth and skin tones. This style appeals to audiences where there are personal connections (i.e. wedding photos, family portraits and gifts).

When using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that have a lot of personal and human connection. For example, this style would suit businesses such as; family consulting, family law, in-home care, support work and more.

#2 - Outlined (no eyes)

This illustration style is modern, and is perfect to appeal to a younger audience aged 15-35. This style is usually paired with inspirational quotes, or strong digital marketing campaigns. With minimal facial features, this style communicates a message without the personal connection to the person/object.

When using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that are putting out a lot of digital content to appeal to their audience. For example, this style would suit businesses such as; social media managers, virtual assistants, online business managers.

#3 - Modern (no eyes)

This is perfect for highlighting products, or particulars scenes with props. There are minimalist facial features but still depicts a human connection.

When using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that are conveying specific meanings in their graphics. For example, this style would suit businesses such as; product based businesses, apparel ranges, bloggers and more.

#4 - Minimalist with gaps

This illustration style has gaps in-between key shapes. This style is perfect for digital content that gets reduced in size, or where the illustration is highlighting body of text so doesn't need to be too complex.

Similarly to the other minimalist styles, when using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that are putting out a lot of digital content to appeal to their audience and still have a human connection. For example, this style would suit businesses such as; coaches, beauty businesses, support businesses, and product based businesses.

#5 - Minimalist modern

This illustration style is a minimalist block style illustration with minimal facial feature. It's perfect for highlighting apparel or props. It uses shadow to create depth. This style appeals to an audience aged 15-50.

Similarly to the other minimalist styles, when using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that are putting out a lot of digital content to appeal to their audience and still have a human connection. For example, this style would suit businesses such as; beauty businesses, apparel businesses, and product based businesses.

#6 - Block with lines

This illustration style uses lines to create movement rather than shadows. This style is perfect for scene setting, or showcasing groups of people. This style of illustration is both contemporary and professional. It would appeal to a large audience.

When using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that are building a community and need graphics that would appeal to a wide audience. For example, this style would suit businesses such as; community groups, health professionals and support businesses.

#7 - Line Art

This illustration style is line art to create an outline of a product or person. This style appeals to a contemporary audience aged 12-40, and is a great way to communicate an item or message without colour.

When using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that are quite bold with their branding and need illustrations to compliment their style (but not compete with it). For example, this style would suit businesses such as; beauty brands, empowerment coaches or wellness brands.

#8 - Line Art Landscape

This illustration style focuses on landscapes with custom additions, such as this example of a growing concrete jungle. This style appeals to a large audience.

When using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that are needing visuals for specific scenes. For example, this style would suit businesses such as; location-based businesses, holiday businesses or advenure providers (think a tiki-beach business that needs an illustration of their vibin' shack).

#9 - Sticker Cartoon

This cartoon-style illustration is perfect for digital marketing, packaging or websites. These icons are small, yet pack a punch. They use shadow and outlines to create recognisable shapes. While the images depicted here are for a younger audience, stickers can appeal to a wide audience depending on the context. On packaging they can make information pop, or as moving GIFS on social media.

When using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that are needing specific icons in their branding. For example, this style would suit businesses such as; product based businesses, health and wellness businesses, hospitality businesses.

#10 - Infographic Style

This illustration style focuses on block shapes and high contrast shadows along with facial features. This style appeals to a corporate and professional audience.

When using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that are putting out illustration content for a specific purpose. For example, this style would suit businesses such as; professional services, corporate products, large-audience based businesses.

#11 - Artistic Style

This illustration style combines line art with a watercolour-like in-fill. This style appeals to women aged 25-60.

When using this style in branding, I recommend it for brands that have a specific female audience. For example, this style would suit businesses such as; beauty brands, service-based providers for women, wedding gown designers and couture brands.