The Resurgence of Illustration in Modern Brand Advertising
By
Abbey Bamford
Hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, baked to perfection. Worth every minute at the bakery.
Summary
This article explores the resurgence of illustration in advertising and branding, examining why brands are returning to hand-drawn artwork after a period dominated by photography and film. It discusses the historical significance of illustration in advertising campaigns, the challenges that led to its decline (including being perceived as 'riskier,' harder to sell to cautious clients, and slower to produce at scale), and the current factors driving its comeback. The piece features insights from industry creatives who highlight illustration's ability to add dynamism, style, and unique brand personality.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledIllustration is such an easy way to add dynamism and style...
More recently, photography and film have dominated as illustration became the 'riskier option'.
A couple of reasons for that are its harder to sell to cautious clients, slower to produce at scale, and sometimes dismissed as 'childlike.'
From wartime posters by Abram Games to Merrydown Cider's joyful campaigns of the 1990s, illustration was once central to how brands spoke to the public.
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