It ranges from stylized subject matter loosely representing reality to photorealism and hyperrealism, which aim to represent reality and the human form as closely as possible.
Realism is a popular style in modern digital illustration. The Tate Museum describes the artistic term of realism like this: “In its specific sense realism refers to a mid-nineteenth-century artistic movement characterized by subjects painted from everyday life in a naturalistic manner however, the term is also generally used to describe artworks painted in a realistic almost photographic way.” If you decide to niche down into a vintage or retro style, you’re sure to build a portfolio of clients who love your work. With work for clients such as The Guardian, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Washington Post in his portfolio, cultivating this style has served him well. Neil Stevens is an illustrator who has had success creating his style around a vintage-inspired theme. Illustrators might be inspired to shape their unique style around the aesthetic of an era from the past. This style might be employed for one particular project inspired by a throwback theme to capture a certain feeling, for instance, the bubbly vibrance of the ‘80s or the elegance of the roaring ‘20s. Styles from the past inspire vintage and retro illustration, usually from the early 1900’s up until the ’90s. Without further ado, let's check out the different styles of illustration. The fantastic thing about digital art is that it gives digital artists the freedom to experiment with absolutely every style in a variety of formats. Movements like Bauhaus, pop art, surrealism, and many more also influence graphic designers and illustrators in developing their unique style. While there are specific genres of illustration that we'll look at below, which heavily influence style, it's good to have an idea of how many cultural elements can influence illustration designs. Illustrative styles are influenced by various types of art and art movements.
Digital illustrator software#
Vector graphics software such as Vectornator or Adobe illustrator are the best for illustration as they allow you the freedom to draw digitally in any style with great detail and to print at scale without losing quality. With these digital tools, artists can create a wide range of textures that include all forms of illustration mentioned above (and some) with just one device. Most illustrators have turned to digital tools and use these to create vector illustrations. These techniques of illustration are still used and loved, but as our tools have evolved, so have our modern illustration techniques. It's an art form that manifested in a wide variety of techniques, such as: Traditional illustration started with drawing, painting, and carving in a traditional medium.
What are the Different Styles of Illustration? In this article, we'll look at 12 styles of digital illustration, along with some inspiring examples so you can better understand each. There are 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? Perhaps 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.