Their illustrious careers in illustration have led to others adopting this art form and keeping it alive. Visual design has come a long way since the first known illustrations, and we have some pretty fantastic illustrators to thank for that. Now, in the modern age, we see illustrations in the advertising industry and in website design. Since then, people have been creating illustrations for books, magazines, ads, and much more. Some of the earliest published Illustrations can be found in books dating back to the 14th century. The art we see from the 15th century heavily influenced the 17th century, which in turn influenced the 19th century art that brought around the illustration styles we know today. Throughout the history of illustration, new artists have continued to evolve and grow their personal style. In this article, we'll look at 12 styles of digital illustration, along with some inspiring examples so you can better understand each. To do that, you need to learn all about the styles of illustration and get inspired by examples of illustration created by famous illustrators. Like all creative industries, establishing your own personal style in illustration is critical. You’ll need to learn all about color theory, traditional drawing styles, the best illustration program to use, and what is popular in contemporary illustration. Your illustration and design skills are something that you should continue to refine and practice. Whether you're just getting started as an illustrator or you’re an expert in the field, brushing up on your illustration skills and trends in the design field is necessary. In fact, illustrations for children is a whole genre in itself. Often, illustrations in cartoons or picture books are a child’s first experience with art. Think of the beloved characters from your favorite cartoon shows, or the examples of illustration that you grew up seeing on your television screen or in picture books. Compelling illustrations can bring a character to life or create a compelling brand image. Image Source: Unsplashįrom expressive images of natural elements to impressive character development to subtle depictions of daily life, illustration is an incredibly versatile artistic practice.Ĭreating an illustration is a great way to visualize your ideas. That’s why we love to follow new illustration trends and try them out for ourselves. There are so many styles of illustration to enjoy, and exploring the variety of visual styles out there can help you find your own and get inspired by what appeals to you. Is there a particular style of illustration that you love? Maybe you can't get enough of the incredible skill that goes into realism, or you get absorbed into the magical worlds of fantasy art for hours on end.

Adobe illustrator examples