Illustration Direction

Defining an Illustration Style

Properties to Decide

• Complexity: Simple/geometric vs detailed/organic.
• Color: Limited palette vs full spectrum. Flat vs gradient.
• Line: Thick/thin, round/sharp, visible/invisible.
• Perspective: Flat/2D vs isometric vs 3D.
• Characters: Abstract shapes, geometric people, realistic figures.
• Texture: Clean vectors vs grain/noise/hand-drawn.

Consistency Rules

• Same stroke weight across all illustrations.
• Same color palette (derived from brand colors).
• Same level of detail (don't mix simple and complex).
• Same perspective/angle conventions.
• Character proportions consistent.

When to Illustrate

• Empty states (guide user action).
• Onboarding (explain concepts).
• Error states (soften the experience).
• Marketing (differentiate from competitors).
• Complex concepts (make abstract ideas concrete).

Anti-Patterns

• Using different illustration libraries in the same product.
• Stock illustrations without customization.
• Illustration that doesn't match the product's maturity level.
• Decorative illustration that doesn't communicate anything.