Are you an illustration enthusiast who’s always on the lookout for the latest trends? Well, let me tell you, 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for illustration.
As an AI language model, I may not have eyes to appreciate illustrations, but I can definitely appreciate the buzz around the latest illustration styles.
From what I’ve gathered, this year’s trends are all about being bold and making a statement.
So whether you’re a seasoned illustrator or just starting out, it’s the perfect time to experiment with new techniques and styles.
In this article, I’m excited to share with you the seven trending illustration styles that are sure to be the talk of the design world in 2023. So let’s dive in and get inspired!
Top Illustration Trending Styles in Graphic Design
Stay on-trend with this top 7 illustration styles. From minimalist to 3D to AI, discover the hottest techniques taking the graphic design industry by storm:
1. Textured Illustrations
Textured illustrations are illustrations that incorporate texture as a visual element to create a 3D illusion or add visual interest and depth to the design.
Examples of textures that can be used in illustrations include crumpled paper, linen, dot or grain patterns, floral textures, brush strokes, and metal textures.
Texture can be used to uplift other visual elements like patterns, colors, and content.
If you want to create a texture illustration, you can work with a professional designer or host a design contest to get ideas from designers around the world.
Project Example
- Project Gallery – Wienerin Magazin
- Artist – Lara Paulussen
>> More Textured Illustrations
2. Flat Color Illustrations
Flat color illustrations are illustrations that use solid colors without any shading or gradients to create a simple and minimalist look.
Flat colors are an important part of the comic creating process and can influence the rest of the coloring process.
In painting, a flat color is an area of color painted in a uniform or identical tone and hue.
Flat vector style can help create a businesslike image with clear subject matter and simple color palettes.
Flat colors can be used to create a 3D effect by using the power of modern 3D visualization.
Project Example
- Project Gallery – Shape Studies Volume 1
- Artist – Ray Dak Lam
>> More Flat Color Illustrations
3. Limited Palette Illustrations
Limited palette illustrations are illustrations that use a small number of colors, usually the bare essentials, to create a cohesive and harmonious look.
Using a limited palette can be helpful for those learning how to mix colors and can also be advantageous for more advanced painters.
Limited color palettes are also used in other artistic fields such as interior design, graphic design, and photography.
Flat colors, which are areas of color painted in a uniform or identical tone and hue, are often used in limited palette illustrations to create a simple and minimalist look.
Flat vector style can also be used to create a businesslike image with clear subject matter and simple color palettes.
Project Example
- Project Gallery – Junk Food Vices
- Artist – Jordan Kay
>> More Limited Palette Illustrations
4. 3D Illustrations
3D illustrations are illustrations that use three-dimensional modeling software to create lifelike images with depth and perspective.
Texture can be used in 3D illustrations to add visual interest and create a realistic feel.
3D visualization software can be used to transform a simple, static element into a design with a 3D effect. Flat vector style can also be used to add subtle but defined shadows and highlights to create a 3D illusion.
In contrast to 2D illustrations, 3D illustrations have weight and are more realistic, like an intricate carving with grooves.
Creating 3D illustrations requires technical skills and knowledge of 3D modeling software.
Project Example
- Project Gallery – 3D Fashion-Summer Shows
- Artist – UV- 朱
5. Odd Bodies Illustrations
Odd Bodies is a style of illustration that features people with exaggerated proportions, distorted body shapes, and unusual colors.
This style aligns with the body positivity movement and advocates for the acceptance of all bodies regardless of physical ability, size, gender, or race.
It is often used to allow viewers to see human beings in a different way and to explore the complexity of human relations and personal interaction.
There are also online classes available to learn how to illustrate expressive, stylized people with odd bodies.
Project Example
- Project Gallery – Quarantine People
- Artist – Veronika Grenzebach
>> More Odd Bodies Illustrations
6. Line Art Illustrations
Line art is an illustration style that incorporates minimal lines and negative space to create refined yet crafty designs. It is also known as line drawing or line illustration.
This style often features clean lines, layered shapes, and simple compositions.
Line art can be used in various designs, such as logos, icons, and illustrations.
Project Example
- Project Gallery – Line Art Illustrations
- Artist – Aashima Johri
>> More Line Art Illustrations
7. AI Art Illustrations
AI art illustrations are generated by artificial intelligence algorithms.
There are various tools and platforms available to create AI-generated art, such as NightCafe Creator, OpenArt, and Hotpot.ai.
These tools allow users to create stunning AI art by entering a few words or uploading their own images to train the AI image generator.
On the other hand, line art is an illustration style that incorporates minimal lines and negative space to create refined yet crafty designs.
It is not necessarily generated by AI, but it can be used as a style in AI-generated art.
Project Example
- Project Gallery – Advertindians
- Artist – Luciano Koenig Dupont
