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10 Illustration Trends for 2020

As we enter a new decade, trends in illustration will continue to evolve and it is important for designers to stay in-the-know to make high-quality, relevant, and modern compositions.

10 Illustration Trends for 2020
Nataliva Vorobiova Last updated: April 19, 2024 · 5 min read
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Illustrations are a visual way to portray a written text through aesthetics, harmony, and graphic expression. As we enter a new decade, trends in illustration will continue to evolve and it is important for designers to stay in-the-know to make high-quality, relevant, and modern works of art. This article reviews 10 future illustration trends that will serve as an inspiration to all readers for their personal and client projects.
Let’s start off by noting an important item that will be consistent across all trends: Pantone’s 2020 “Color of the Year”— Classic Blue. You can read more about this announcement in the article Introducing Classic Blue.
Throughout this article, I’ll introduce the main trends we can expect to see in the world of illustration for 2020.

1. Abstract Illustration: Geometric Design

The use of simple geometric shapes is still one of the leading trends in 2020. Geometric designs can look harmonious in both minimalist and complex compositions. Geometric design in abstract illustrations can display colors that are flat, gradient, bright, and monochrome. There are many variations, but it is important to respect the integrity of the image so that the viewer understands the concept and idea. Abstract illustrations with symmetrical geometry with muted color palettes, earthy colors, and monochrome colors will also be relevant.

2. 3D Illustrations: Futurism

The three-dimensional trend continues on. Thanks to the capabilities of modern technology, you can create amazing 3D illustrations using graphic elements such as fonts, objects, backgrounds, and characters. Much of the 3D illustration that encompasses futurism can be seen in the user interfaces of applications and gaming products.

Retro futurism continues to gain popularity in both illustrations and design. Back to the future? This style uses both retro colors and neon glow effects to show the focus on a theme or object. Surprisingly, such a number of themes and a mixture of styles allows artists to show endless creative freedom.

3. Neon Illustrations: Cyberpunk Colors

Computers and the technical achievements of mankind are heavily integrated into our way of life. It almost feels as if we’re living in the future. In graphic design, futurism is often expressed in bright and oversaturated shades, that don’t usually happen in nature. These colors are associated with cyberpunk, a genre of science fiction. Artists also actively apply the effect of neon glow. You can read in detail about the features of neon design in this article Design Trend Report: Neon Design

4. Isometric Illustrations

Isometric illustrations can be described as three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional flat surface (also known as a “plane”). Isometrics are more common in UI design and presentations. Combining bright colors or gradients and futuristic shapes, isometric illustrations are great attention grabbers.

5. Illustrations in UI: Characters

Illustrations help users better understand a product, site, or app. The use of characters helps convey information and demonstrates the necessary actions or navigation you want the viewer to take. It makes the product appear more original and friendly. Animated characters and elements in the user interface design create a micro-interaction between user and character.  The use of textures will also make illustrations look more lively. You can find a variety of options to add textures to character illustrations, interface elements, and backgrounds – such as grainy textures and brush strokes.

6. Simplified illustrations: Flat Color and Limited Palette

Flat illustrations are still on-trend. Bold colors are perfect for illustrations. They create a joyful and active atmosphere and emphasis on characters and abstract forms. Bright and flat colors have been an important trend in recent years and 2020 will be no exception.

7. Line Art & Minimalism

Line drawing is a light, simplified style of illustration. The illustrations look clean, elegant, and unobtrusive. They can be seen both in wall art and in branding, postcards, and logos. Minimalist design uses only the most necessary, thin lines and a very limited color palette (often bicolor) to create a memorable style. This trend is also associated with more affordable printing due to its cost.

8. Hand-Drawn Illustrations

Even in the age of technology, people hand-drawn illustrations themselves to create natural and authentic-looking work. Hand-drawing provides a way to relax from our active, technological, and noisy lives.  Both watercolor and doodle illustrations become more detailed. Bright colors, monochrome, black and white minimalism, and retro will also be relevant in hand-drawn illustrations.

9. Paper Cut-Out Collages: Illustration and Photography

Paper cut-out collages can be created by cutting a photo along the outline and gluing it on an illustrated background to get a realistic effect. This method of realistic applied art is always on-trend. In 2020, designers will boldly combine illustrations and textures with real photos to create an abstract, multilayer effect.

10. Packaging Illustration. Attention to Details

Illustrations are great visual content to use on projects such as packaging design. If you want to create original and authentic branding on packaging design, you could use all creative and technical possibilities. Flat illustrations and limited palettes, along with abstract and bright colors detail in the packaging is likely to remain on-trend.

Designers and illustrators have the opportunity to implement the above trends in creating a masterpiece by using a popular application that has earned the love of many creators: Procreate.
Perhaps you’ve noticed any other trending themes for illustrations in 2020? Share them in the comments section below!


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About the Author
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Nataliva Vorobiova

Hello! :) My name is Natalia. I'm a graphic designer and illustrator from Ukraine. I work with vector and raster graphics. My hobbies are drawing, handmade and macro photography. I like to live in a creative mood ! :) My photo work here - https://www.behance.net/oiseaunata

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11 Comments
  • Lovely selection of examples. I'm so excited about illustration in 2020. So many awesome styles to enjoy! 5 years ago
  • So many inspiration and stylish products! Thank you for this post! 5 years ago
  • Thank you! 5 years ago
  • great content. 5 years ago
  • Interesting article, these are the best trends for illustration. Illustrations are a visual way to written text through aesthetics, harmony, and graphic expression. Create best and creative illustrations for your brand. Thank for sharing keep share more! 5 years ago
  • How cool, I really am a sucker for the futurist illustrations in 3D, also the attention to detail in the packaging, I just love it, and the examples you put are PERFECT, like I really buy things at the supermarket just if they have a good packaging, the fact that they put so much effort on it just makes want to buy it as a signal of support. Thanks for sharing, amazing post (and blog)! 5 years ago
  • Thank you sooo much! I am honored to be part of these trends! :) 5 years ago
  • amazing article content examples! 5 years ago
  • Thank you all very much! It's great that the article and examples of works inspire you. All creative success and good mood! :) 5 years ago
  • Illustrations are fabulous - so happy it is an ongoing trend! Great article :-) 5 years ago