8 Powerful Types of Illustration to Transform Your Content Today!

According to studies, visuals increase people’s desire to read content by a whopping 80%! This is why, in your quest to build a good reputation and awareness for your brand, you must incorporate digital illustrations. These convey more artistry and imagery than stock graphics. In short, custom illustrations can do more for your marketing than any other type of visual content. To do this effectively, here are amazing types of illustrations you should be exploring today!

Table of Contents

• An Introduction to Penji’s Illustrations 
• The Difference Between Graphic Design and Digital Illustrations
• The Different Types of Digital Illustrations
  • Realistic 
  • Vector 
  • Comics/Cartoons
  • Watercolor 
  • Flat
  • Hand-Drawn
  • 3D
  • Isometric
• Different Illustration Styles and Techniques

An Introduction to Penji’s Illustrations 

To create visual content marketing strategies that work, it’s advantageous to find a good steady source of illustrations. Penji can help you grow your business through engaging and beautiful custom illustrations. Here are a few samples of our previous work: 

Our team of illustrators is capable of giving you custom illustrations for all your visual content marketing needs. Penji has made sure that our subscription-based model will allow you to get amazing illustrations for as little as $750 per month. And with our plans, you get to submit requests for unlimited graphic designs and illustrations—something our competitors aren’t able to offer you as they have a separate plan for illustrations only. 

The Difference Between Graphic Design and Digital Illustrations 

For someone who has limited knowledge in the arts, it’s quite easy to confuse graphic design with illustration. It’s understandable considering that there are many similarities between the two more than there are differences. The bottom line is that graphic design and digital illustrations can help you create the best visual content marketing strategies. 

What is Graphic Design? 

The art of creating visuals with the primary purpose of communicating a message is what we know as graphic design. Graphic design is what we commonly see businesses use to promote, advertise, and market their brands. We see them in logos, product packaging, business cards, and many more. 

What is Digital Illustration? 

A digital illustration can be defined as an interpretation of an idea or a visualization of a concept. It can be done using traditional media such as paint and brush and then scanned and exported onto a software. It can also be created directly on a software using a pen on a tablet. 

Illustrations are mostly found on book and magazine covers, posters, games, or animations, to name a few. Illustrating is a highly-specialized field. Most graphic designers and illustrators prefer to concentrate on their areas of expertise. Rarely will you find an illustrator that does graphic design as well. 

With Penji, this is no longer a problem. Our subscription plans allow you to submit requests for both graphic design and custom illustrations. While other design services offer custom illustrations, they do not have it under one plan. This means you have to subscribe to two plans to have both graphic design and illustrations. 

The Different Types of Digital Illustrations 

Custom illustrations come in different varieties for specific purposes. Here are the types of illustrations that you can use for your marketing, branding, and advertising operations: 

Realistic 

The beauty of digital illustrations is that it can achieve higher levels of imagination beyond what plain photographs can. This illustrated ad from Perrier wonderfully captures the hot air balloons inside the bottle. It blends well with the background, which poses a refreshing and invigorating message to viewers. 

Vector 

One of the most popular types of illustrations is vector art. Vector illustrations typically have flat designs and colors. They have a streamlined and clean look, which is what makes them appealing. These ads from Coca-Cola shows vector art in different styles.

Comics/Cartoons 

To convey a sense of fun and enjoyment, you can use a cartoony type of illustration, such as this one from Penji. Communicating with your customers and prospects need not be dull and lifeless. A comics or cartoon style illustration can add humor to your advertising and marketing endeavors. 

Watercolor 

Most people think that digital illustrations will never look like the real thing. Technology nowadays has afforded artists and illustrators to create art in whatever medium they desire. Illustrators can now create a watercolor painting using their computers and pen tablets. This ad from Dreft shows you how it’s done. 

Flat 

These are the illustrations that are minimalist and two-dimensional. They use simple shapes, bold colors, and limited shading. You can typically find them in UI/UX design, branding, and marketing materials. Their modern look makes them suitable for web and app interfaces, infographics, and advertising campaigns. 

Hand-Drawn 

These illustrations have an organic and personal feel. Visible pencil strokes, textures, and imperfections often characterize them. You can usually find them in editorial design, children’s books, and branding with a human touch. 

3D

If you want depth, realism, and dimension in your digital artwork, use 3D illustrations. These are created using specialized software to simulate lighting, shadows, and textures. These are popular in advertising, product design, animation, and motion graphics.

Isometric

These are the types of illustrations that present objects in a three-dimensional perspective. They maintain equal dimensions on all axes. You can typically find these on technical drawings, explainer graphics, digital marketing, and even architecture and product design.

Different Illustration Styles and Techniques

Beyond types of illustrations, you’ll also find a wide array of styles and techniques. The following are a few of the most common:

• Minimalist: These emphasize simplicity, using only the most essential of elements.
• Abstract: These express emotions by using exaggerated forms, textures, and colors.
• Surrealist: These are illustrations that incorporate dreamlike elements and unexpected combinations.
• Sketch and Scribble: These create rough, unfinished looks for a raw and expressive feel.
• Stencil and Cutout: These use sharp edges and silhouettes for a bold effect.
• Digital Painting: These are digital illustrations that copy traditional painting techniques.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of digital illustrations is that they come in various styles and techniques, each serving different uses and aesthetics. Whether it’s hand-drawn for that artistic touch or sleek and modern for branding you need, these types of illustrations can transform your content and enhance visual communication.
Penji has a team of illustrators that can bring your ideas to life through powerful digital illustrations. Choose from these types of illustrations and tell them what you need. Watch our quick demo video here to learn more, or send your first custom illustration request using this link.