Whether you're just learning how to draw (opens in new tab), working on some new Illustrator tutorials (opens in new tab) or already a pro when it comes to drawing, there are some big things in store for the illustration world in 2016.
For a long time photography has held sway over the illustrated image, but for a variety of reasons – cultural, technological, finanical – the pendulum seems to have swung back and illustration is in demand again. So, what do you need to know?
Here are a few well-placed predictions of things that will become or remain relevant in 2016...
01. 3D illustration
It's illustration, sure, but not quite as we know it and creatives like Sarah Illenberger (opens in new tab) and Kyle Bean (opens in new tab) have long led the way when it comes to tangible illustrative treatments. Nissan's recent campaign – for which Owen Gildersleeve (opens in new tab) made a life-sized origami car – was both fun and memorable.
02. Illustration-photography combinations
Kate Moross (opens in new tab) is one of those who predicts that 2016 will be a big year for new types of illustration and photography cross-overs. Hattie Stewart (opens in new tab) will be big again, but watch out for the excellent Joe Cruz (opens in new tab) too.
03. Moving image
As Hugo & Marie (opens in new tab)'s Jennifer Gonzalez says, "I feel movement and sound can arrest a lot of attention, and it can sometimes capture more emotion than a still image." Nicolas Ménard (opens in new tab) and Jack Sachs (opens in new tab) both bridge the illustration/animation divide with aplomb.
04. Arts and crafts
As The Partners (opens in new tab)' Keith Hancox points out, the craft beer/vinyl records/artisan coffee movement shows no sign of abating. For better or worse, the Americana-tinged retro style is set to be everywhere again this year. Manual's work (opens in new tab) for the Fort Point Beer company is a good example of this done well.
05. Limited colour palette
Retina-searing colour explosions still have a place but increasingly limited or refined colour palettes seem to be gaining traction. The likes of Natasha Law (opens in new tab) and Ugo Gattoni (opens in new tab)are excelling in this field, as is Alice Bowsher (opens in new tab) and her playful black and white creations.
06. Cinematic imagery
Another ongoing trend but there still seems to be a real taste for the theatrical, the noir-ish and the dramatically-lit. Malika Favre (opens in new tab) remains the best, but others like Tom Haugomat (opens in new tab) have a real way with isometric perspective.
07. Vector, done better
Vector illustration is still hugely popular but Alice Moloney (opens in new tab) is not alone in calling for better quality control. As Nick Finney of NB Studio (opens in new tab) says: "You can see through vector illustration when it's done poorly. How do you make yours different to somebody else's?"
08. Instant responses to current events
The success of Jean Jullien (opens in new tab)'s Peace for Paris shows how well-received an immediate response to an unfolding event can be. Sometimes it can seem quite cynical, but Jullien's work always feels relevant and not exploitative.
Related articles:
- 48 illustrators (opens in new tab) to follow on Behance
- 10 inspirational examples of vector art (opens in new tab)
- Free graphic design software available to you right now!
