Graphic Illustration: Combining Modern Graphic Design with Classical Artwork

Graphic design and illustration can cast a magical spell on your web media as well as print media outcomes, thereby adding an edge to your branding initiatives and boosting the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. What one needs to understand is that graphic design and graphic illustration are two different concepts with their own set of attributes that can be exploited well to instill a feel of uniqueness and professionalism in your branding and marketing outcomes. Surprisingly, most people feel that graphic design and illustration are one and the same and that graphic designers and illustrators can deliver similar outcomes.  

Graphic Design Vs. Illustration 

Today’s artists have mastered the art of using graphic design and illustration together in the most creative manner, helping brands to make the most out of what modern-day artwork has to offer. So how does graphic design and illustration differ from each other? Well, graphic design and illustration differ in terms of how and where they are being used. Commonly, the scope of graphic design is more commercial in nature whereas illustration can be grouped under fine art.  

Before we discuss in detail how graphic design and illustration can be combined to create stunning effects and to enable powerful storytelling, let us get a clearer picture of the two types of artistic pursuits separately.  

What is Graphic Design? 

Graphic design refers to the creative use of typography, form, color, and imagery to create visuals that can communicate ideas in an appealing manner. Graphic designers typically base their concepts and outcomes on the branding and marketing strategies of companies and on the target audience. The use of graphic design is prevalent in the creation of print media such as brochures, flyers, posters, packaging, logos, billboards, and business cards as well as in digital marketing domains, especially in web design and email marketing spheres.  

The objective of graphic design is to portray a brand’s personality, emotions, and story in the most appropriate and creative manner. Graphic designers follow a particular set of style guidelines to ensure design consistency across all formats and marketing channels. The modern-day graphic design domain has gained a broader perspective with the advent of digital marketing. The objective of UI/UX designers is to enable quality interactions between users and apps through the use of relevant and meaningful visuals and layout.  

What is Illustration? 

Illustrations are artworks that are meant to describe or visually represent a written text. They are mainly used to tell a story. Artists may use traditional or digital illustrations based on requirements. Traditional illustrations typically appear in the form of black-and-white pencil drawings, ink drawings, charcoal drawings, and color artworks. Artists normally use acrylic, gouache, and watercolor to draw illustrative paintings. Gouache is used to draw posters and it has a speedy drying effect. Illustrations also appear as etchings, collage, and woodcut art. Illustrations are commonly used print media such as magazines, books, flyers, educational materials, and posters. In the digital domain, illustrations can be created both manually or through the use of vector graphics. Illustrations have the power to depict a story independently even if they are not accompanied by text.  

Graphic Illustration 

As the concept of ‘design’ continues to evolve and modern graphic designers aim to combine the best effects of graphic design and illustration, the industry gets what we refer to as “graphic illustration”. In other words, graphic illustration is a combination of classic artwork and graphic design. Graphic illustration is a way to showcase original artwork through the most appropriate use of shapes, layouts, color, and form. Graphic illustrations are used to tell stories, explain concepts, educate, and promote sales. Graphic illustrations are widely used by creative companies and individuals for cover design, flyer design, packaging, website layout design, and advertisement designs. Graphic illustrators need to possess artistic skills, creative thinking, and business acumen in order to be able to deliver the best outcomes.  

Why should you use a graphic illustrations? 

You must consult a graphic illustrator if you are looking to instill a more stylish approach in your marketing campaigns. With graphic illustrations, you will not only be able to express your ideas in a more creative manner, but you will also be able to follow your marketing strategies. You will be able to create a deeper impact on your target audience and boost brand awareness.