Better Design: Let Us Illustrate Our Point!

The Potential of Illustration in Graphic Design for Marketing Impact

Within the graphic design industry, trending and innovation is constant. In marketing the challenge is keeping up with these ever-changing design trends and using them to our advantage, while leaving a lasting impression on the design world.

One of the most recent graphic design trends over the last few years is the appearance and popularity of illustration or hand-drawn elements in design: used in everything from posters and editorial to logos and branding, and even in digital and web design.

The Power of Illustration in Graphic Design

According to Patrick McNeil, “Illustration is by far one of the most powerful tools in a… designer’s toolbox” and it’s definitely proven its worth in recent years. The hand-drawn look, whether actually hand-sketched or digitally produced, has an enormous impact in design.

Here are a few examples of just how powerful custom illustration design can be.

Hand Illustration in Print Design

The hand lettering on the cover of this issue of Seattle Met Magazine is striking, warm and friendly, creating contrast with the stark black and white photo in the background. The hand-drawn text feels alive and spontaneous, helping to communicate with the reader’s personality and bring in that extra flare of sentimental value.

This technique is extremely effective throughout editorial layouts and poster design to help stand out and grab the viewer’s attention through its unique and appealing qualities.

Hand-Drawn Design in Logo and Brand Design

The hand-drawn approach has also become extremely popular in logo, identity and branding design. This type of brand execution acts as a handwritten signature for a company or organization and works well for the Gawatt Coffee Shop.

In her article Back to the Basics: Hand-Drawn Designs Regain Popularity, graphic designer Katie Hamness points out, “…many designers are using hand-drawn fonts to create uniqueness and give life to a brand.”

I certainly think the hand-sketched type in the Gawatt Coffee Shop logo helps provide that unique, approachable style and enjoyable personality for the overall brand.

Just as important, it provides consistency in branding crossover throughout the packaging and collateral as shown above.

Hand-Lettered Typography In Digital Media Design

Last, but not least, illustration and hand-lettered typography has exploded throughout digital media design. More and more websites and mobile applications are incorporating and integrating these elements into their designs, creating an experience that is both aesthetically pleasing & informative.

This hand-drawn approach in digital media provides an unforgettable “human touch” by bringing in both personality and an emotional connection.

Notice in the example above how the homepage layout for Bubble combines enticing hand-sketched illustrations and hand-lettered typography with a simple, sleek background and modern typeface.

Add Personality and Character With Hand-Drawn Design Elements

When executed correctly, custom illustration and hand-drawn design elements will bring life and personality to your designs and provide a unique and intriguing component that other design elements simply can’t accomplish.

Want to learn how Verdin can add personality and character to your marketing design collateral? Call us at 805-541-9005 or contact us here.