Navigating the social media maze to spot new top illustrators for your next illustrator job can be a bit of a quest. It’s a good thing for the creative industry now it’s so much easier to connect and discover new talent. Yet, let's admit, it's a tad overwhelming to unearth a new illustrator crush in this crowded creative space.
We've got 7 different designers curating a wonderful lineup of 50 top illustrators we're vibing with right now, ranging from all kinds of styles. But art and illustration, they're like the ultimate taste test, right? To dodge the one-size-fits-all approach, we each tossed in our personal faves, sparking an interesting conversation, and selected our favorites. The result is a wonderful list of illustrators, a mix of seasoned pros and rising stars kicking off their freelance illustration careers.
Are you excited to see earlier trend reports from us as well? Check out the trend reports from 2022 and 2023. Using the same approach, we did thorough research on the universe of illustration and selected 23 of them to build a widespread roster of illustrators from all over the world.
Top illustrators to follow in 2024
1. Rob en Robin
Rob en Robin, a dynamic creative studio hailing from Breda, the Netherlands, is the constant collaboration of two exceptional artists, Rob van den Belt and Robin van Gurp. This inseparable duo ventured into their artistic journey after a daring collaborative graduation project in art school, defying convention and the skeptics. Their shared origins in a village near Breda and their art school connection cemented their partnership.
Recently, they published their illustration work for the updated PostNL identity, led by the creative powerhouse Studio Dumbar.
From humble beginnings stocking shelves at a local supermarket, Rob and Robin's unconventional path led them to establish their studio. Unfettered by the constraints of traditional graphic design culture, they embarked on a diverse array of projects, including city guides, skate parks, record covers, and hip-hop dance classes.
Their creative process resembles a spirited game of table tennis, marked by a non-hierarchical exchange of ideas. Both fully leverage what they think is the best illustrator software, or animation software for that matter, and the results are amazing. In the world of design, Rob en Robin bring smiles, diversity, and a fresh perspective to the table.
→ Website
2. Murugiah
Murugiah, a celebrated artist and one of the top illustrators, calls London his creative playground and himself a "candy-coated psilocybin particle beam daydreamer." With a unique blend of UK upbringing and Sri Lankan heritage, he initially pursued architecture in London before veering into the world of illustration, art direction, typography, and design.
In his current artistic journey, Murugiah, recognized among top illustrators, crafts surreal, exuberant, and unapologetically vibrant pieces, enriched with a South Asian flair. His work showcases a brilliant palette of bold colors and intricate graphical compositions, leaving a lasting impression.
His impressive portfolio features collaborations with renowned brands and entities such as Apple, Disney, Marvel, Facebook, Penguin, Vans, Wired, Los Angeles Times, and Mondo.
Murugiah's artistic prowess, acknowledged among top illustrators, has garnered well-deserved recognition, with features in esteemed outlets like BBC, Creative Boom, Creative Lives in Progress, Digital Arts, and SixtySix Magazine. In the realm of creative expression, Murugiah's vision is a captivating and unique journey.
→ Website
3. Tad Carpenter
Tad Carpenter is the visionary behind Tad Carpenter Creative, a studio dedicated to giving life to impactful messages through branding, packaging, and illustrative design. His studio's impressive track record includes crafting campaigns for big names like Macy's, Target, Old Navy, MTV, and Adobe. Tad mostly keeps it entirely vector using Adobe Illustrator which is a perfect choice for large-scale print projects.
Beyond his studio success, Tad Carpenter is a prolific author and illustrator, with a collection of over a dozen children's books that captivate today's market. Some of his popular works include "Sad Santa," "Ninja, Ninja Never Stop," and the "I Say, You Say" series.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Carpenter has been sharing his graphic design expertise as a professor at the University of Kansas since 2009. Tad Carpenter is a multi-talented creative force making waves in the realms of design and children's literature.
→ Website
4. Clara Dupré
Clara Dupré, an illustrator and graphic designer hailing from Angoulême and a co-founder of Atelier Coup Franc, is a creative force to reckon with. Her journey into the world of illustration traces back to her childhood in Dieppe, where she eagerly attended drawing and painting classes. After a brief stint at the Beaux-arts, Clara found her true calling at the École supérieure d'Arts Appliqués de Paris, immersing herself in the realm of illustration.
Clara's wellspring of inspiration is drawn from the ordinary—the little things that surround us. Whether it's quirky situations, chance encounters on the street, or random discoveries on the internet, she seizes these moments to infuse her work with fresh, relatable energy. For modern and engaging art that captures the essence of the world around us, Clara Dupré's illustrations are a must-see.
→ Website
5. Timba Smits
Meet Timba Smits, the inquisitive, multi-talented graphic artist hailing from sunny Australia and now calling not-so-sunny London home. His artistic style seamlessly traverses the realms of analog and digital mediums. Timba's work is a delightful blend of nostalgia and childhood memories, skillfully interweaving illustration, typography, humor, and pop-cultural references. The result? An impressive portfolio of top-tier illustrative work that never ceases to captivate.
Timba's artistic prowess has caught the attention of notable clients, including the likes of Canon, Apple, Wired, Popular Science, ESPN, Coors/Miller Lite, Playboy, Laurence King, and Faber.
→ Website
6. Saddo
Saddo, a Romanian-born contemporary artist based in Bucharest, is a versatile talent who shifts between painting canvas art for galleries, creating large-scale murals, and producing commissioned illustrations. His work is a fusion of influences, drawing from painters like Rousseau, Bosch, and Walton Ford, and his street art background, resulting in a captivating blend of contemporary illustration, decorative arts, and urban culture.
Saddo's subjects range from surreal imagery, Day of the Dead iconography, and explorations of death in different myths and religions to portraits of rappers, gangsters, flowers, burning cars, and intricate patterns. His art samples various elements from his favorite paintings, illustrations, and more, creating a unique and complex iconography.
He has been part of numerous exhibitions globally, held solo shows in Portugal and Germany, collaborated with various brands and agencies, and left his artistic mark on murals across several countries.
→ Website
7. Sam Larson
Sam Larson is a versatile creative force, known for his roles as an illustrator, graphic designer, painter, and entrepreneur. Hailing from southwest Wisconsin, he pursued a major in illustration and graphic design during his college years. Sam's journey led him to San Diego, where he worked as a salaried artist for five years before embracing the freelance lifestyle in Portland, Oregon, for another three years.
During his time in the Pacific Northwest, he immersed himself in nature and embarked on road trips to numerous national parks, a transformative experience that greatly influenced his art. Eventually, Sam settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he established himself as a full-time freelance artist with a national following.
He offers a range of art and merchandise, from stickers and patches to notebooks and t-shirts, all adorned with his distinctive drawings, which he personally ships to his diverse clientele.
→ Website
8. Rop van Mierlo
Amsterdam-based designer and illustrator Rop van Mierlo, a graduate of the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2008, is renowned for his playful and unconventional creations. His artistic repertoire spans diverse forms, from paintings to mohair wall hangings, hand-tufted wool rugs, and mesmerizing animations, often commencing with drawing or painting.
Central to Rop's work is the element of control, or rather its absence. While animals often serve as his muses, his art is less about the creatures themselves and more about embracing a free-spirited creative process. His distinctive technique, wet-on-wet painting, utilizes liquid watercolor on damp paper, resulting in unpredictable, captivating visuals. His work is collected and made available through his brand “Wild Animals”.
Rop's illustrations have graced the projects of renowned brands like Moncler, Marni, Hermès, and Harvey Nichols, joining the world of talented fashion illustrators. His books are featured in galleries and museums worldwide, including MoMA in New York, Design Museum in London, and Colette in Paris. Notably, he initiated a political poster campaign championing animal rights and sustainability.
→ Website
9. Nick Dahlen
Nick Dahlen, a versatile artist hailing from Minnesota, wears multiple hats as an illustrator, painter, and screen-printer. A true Minneapolitan, his work thrives on abstract observations that cleverly recontextualize the everyday aspects of life. His art is a reflection of the spectrum of human experience, capturing the good, bad, happy, and sad moments.
Nick's approach values the relatable over the sensational. He believes in finding beauty in the small things, in those moments when you're simply happy to be alive. In a world filled with complex works, his ability to simplify life's intricacies is a breath of fresh air. His latest creation, the Public Disorder Pro model, features a unique design, showcasing his distinctive style.
Nick's work resonates with its simplicity, offering a refreshing contrast to the overly complicated. His art allows us to find meaning in the seemingly mundane, celebrating the beauty that surrounds us every day.
→ Website
10. Kate Dehler
Explore the work of Kate Dehler, one of our top illustrators, based in Austin, Texas. She crafts enchanting drawings inspired by nature and psychedelia, all wrapped in a soft, vintage aesthetic.
Her artistic journey began in childhood, wielding pencils and paints, and her passion led her to art school. Yet, her career took a mechanical turn as a graphic designer for a restaurant chain in her hometown, where creative opportunities were scarce.
In her spare time, Kate embarked on personal projects, expanding her portfolio and seeking freelance opportunities. Her signature style, recognized among top illustrators, exudes an irresistible charm, defined by a vivid color palette featuring warm, summery shades like yellow, orange, and red.
The textures in her work, reminiscent of watercolor paper, are digitally recreated, adding a vintage touch to her illustrations. Kate Dehler's art, celebrated among top illustrators, is a vibrant and nostalgic ode to the beauty of the world.
→ Website
11. Lauren Martin
Lauren Martin, a native New Yorker, infuses everyday life with positivity and personality through her illustrations. Her playful flower illustrations, and leafy plant legs, result in colorful and whimsical designs that instantly uplift any space. Lauren's artistic style mirrors the joy and freedom of her childhood creativity.
Beyond her artistry, Lauren is an accomplished musician, contributing synth sounds to the indie rock band Frankie Cosmos. Raised on the Upper West Side of New York City, her optimistic work, inspired by the 1970s, features anthropomorphized food and flowers, crafting cheerful scenes imbued with humor.
Her artistic journey began at the National Academy of Design in New York, where she studied classical figurative painting. Later, she shifted her focus to Textile/Surface Design, earning her BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Lauren Martin's art is a vibrant and lighthearted celebration of life's simple pleasures.
→ Website
12. Mason London
Meet Joe Prytherch, also known as Mason London, an accomplished illustrator with an impressive roster of clients spanning the musical spectrum. In recent years, he's created album artwork for artists like Jack Steadman of Bombay Bicycle Club, now known as Mr Jukes, crafted idents for MTV, and produced animated music videos for emerging electronic act Franc Moody, often collaborating with Crackstevens.
Joe's passion for drawing began in his childhood and evolved as he delved into programs like Photoshop and Flash when he got his first computer in his teenage years. Despite earning a degree in film studies and working as a web designer, he eventually left drawing behind. Today, Mason London is a London-based illustrator and animator.
Being an illustrator online, he made his mark by creating artwork for the iconic LA label Stones Throw Records, then served as Art Director at Boiler Room before establishing his successful freelance practice. His portfolio brims with hypnotic looping animations, intricately detailed record covers, and captivating illustrations. Joe Prytherch's work is a fusion of artistry and technology, brought to life in the heart of London.
→ Website
13. Pieter Ceizer
Pieter Ceizer, a Dutch typographical artist, designer and absolutely one of our top illustrators, currently calls Paris home. His artistic repertoire is steeped in typography and type-based creations, featuring clean retro-style script designs, hand lettering, and vibrant abstract compositions infused with typographic shapes.
Ceizer's choice of words and phrases is empowering, humoristic, and poetic, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of written language. During his study of typography, he began deconstructing letters to craft colorful abstract pieces that evoke a dreamlike state, blurring the boundaries between words and images. His artworks, from paintings to wooden pieces, strike a harmonious balance between color and form, creating a playful and uplifting dynamic.
For Ceizer, written words hold immense potential. They possess the ability to convey thoughts and emotions, serving as a bridge between abstract ideas and their interpretation by readers. Pieter Ceizer's work is a testament to the transformative magic of words and art.
→ Website
14. Rick Berkelmans
Meet Rick Berkelmans, a Dutch street artist and one of the best illustrators on Instagram (if you ask us), known for his involvement in product design, illustration, and advertising. His career has been on a continuous upswing, with collaborations spanning a multitude of renowned brands, including Nike, The New York Times, and Ikea, to name a few. What sets Rick apart is his unmistakable, easily identifiable style.
His work, celebrated by Adobe illustration artists, is a joyous exploration of positivity conveyed through bold, graphic shapes and a palette of vibrant, pop-inspired colors. In his art, you'll discover a world of organized chaos, where sinuous and soft lines bring everything to life.
Rick's one-man creative studio, known as Hedof, is the epicenter of his imaginative illustrations. His creations feature candy-colored landscapes, endearing characters, and whimsical shapes, reflecting his upbeat attitude and a studio filled with playful toys. Rick's relaxed yet clever approach to visual storytelling has left its mark on magazines, products, advertising campaigns, installations, and expansive murals worldwide.
→ Website
15. Enisaurus
Enisaurus, the self-proclaimed "dinosaur head with a computer," is among the top illustrators and the creative genius behind delightfully geometric artworks and animations. Despite his dino-inspired moniker, there's nothing primitive about his work. He harnesses digital artistry to transform elements of nature, art, and pop culture into stunning angular creations that fit together with mesmerizing precision. Enisaurus, a professional illustrator and animator, boasts an impressive client roster, featuring names like Disney, Apple, Facebook, and Twitter.
Beyond the digital realm, Enisaurus is Santiago Usano Martinez, hailing from the picturesque mountains of Valencia, Spain. This former graphic design student co-founded the design and illustration studio, Voltio, with two friends. After a successful five-year run, Santiago embarked on a new creative journey, working at a London-based creative agency, where he collaborated with notable brands like Nickelodeon, Google, and Rovio.
→ Website
16. Julie Solvstrom
Julie Solvstrom, originally from Denmark, is a talented lettering artist, illustrator, and designer now based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Her passion for typography takes center stage in her captivating lettering creations, infused with vibrant colors and intricate illustrations. Julie's artistic style reflects a playful and colorful spirit, influenced by her deep appreciation for the natural world, poetry, and human connections. She manages to combine a quote with a flower illustration in such a wonderful way that it just looks impressively good.
Leveraging Procreate and her iPad, Julie's work showcases remarkable textures and details. Ideal for apparel, postcards, and printed materials, her compositions strike a perfect balance, exuding a well-crafted aesthetic.
→ Website
17. Leandro Assis
Leandro Assis, an award-winning lettering artist and art director, calls Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, his creative home. His work is a bold, colorful masterpiece, featuring playful illustrations and unique lettering.
Leandro has lent his artistic touch to an array of clients, from Apple and Disney to Netflix, Nike, and Spotify. What sets him apart is his commitment to design as a means of championing causes close to his heart, such as Black culture, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights. Leandro's super-bold lettering, vibrant palettes, and whimsical illustrations have captured the attention of global brands and agencies, making their mark on digital projects and marketing campaigns across various landscapes.
→ Website
18. Thanawat Sakdawisarak
After a career as a typeface and graphic designer, Thanawat Sakdawisarak, a graduate of Visual Communication Arts, embarked on a new journey into the world of illustration. His distinctive work has garnered recognition in both Thailand and beyond, standing out in a crowded field of illustrators. The secret to his success? A gradual shift in his career path and the adoption of the subversive pseudonym "Bloody Hell Big Head."
Illustrator Tanawat Sakdawisarak boasts a beautifully crisp yet detailed aesthetic. Holding an MA in Visual Communication Arts from Assumption University, Bangkok, his artworks blend the ordinary with the surreal. His scenes feature a crocodile carrying a surfboard in one frame and a character resembling a yellow bowling ball racing downstairs in another.
Based in Bangkok, Thailand, Tanawat's grid-like worlds are steeped in 80s pop culture references with a dash of Memphis design influence, evoking the feel of navigating through a stylishly refined video game. Tanawat Sakdawisarak seamlessly blends the ordinary with the surreal, favoring a subdued color palette over flashy hues. His art exudes sophistication with muted greens and understated blues, marked by subtle nods to Memphis Design.
→ Website
19. Sua Balac
Sua Balac, an award-winning illustrator based in Stuttgart, Germany, holds a degree in communication design with a focus on illustration from the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart. His vibrant and simple illustrations, inspired by the classic “Ligne Claire” style, are featured in a wide range of global projects, including editorials, books, and animations.
Sua's distinctive style, ranking him among the top illustrators, is characterized by the bold use of vibrant colors and straightforward forms. His impressive client list includes tech giants like Apple and Google, media powerhouses like The New Yorker, and entertainment leaders such as Disney and Pixar. Sua Balac's artistry graces projects across a diverse spectrum, leaving a colorful and impactful mark in the world of illustration.
→ Behance
20. Laci Jordan
Laci Jordan, an artist and creative director based in Los Angeles, originally hails from Huntsville, Alabama. Her impressive resume includes collaborations with renowned entities such as Walt Disney Imagineering, ABC, and Creative Artists Agency.
Through her platform, So Laci Like, Laci fearlessly embraces a no-filter approach to content creation. Here, she shares design inspiration, documents life's moments, and doesn't hold back when venting about questionable font choices used by rappers.
Laci's creative drive is fueled by the need for increased visibility of black creatives, particularly black women. She's breaking barriers by producing content that challenges stereotypes and brings underrepresented perspectives to the forefront. Laci Jordan is making sure her voice, and the voices of those like her, are heard.
→ Website
21. Abbey Lossing
Abbey Lossing, an accomplished illustrator and animator, is based in Austin, Texas. Her creative journey began in Granville, Ohio, and she later made her way to New York City after earning her degree in Illustration from Syracuse University. After working as a staff illustrator at BuzzFeed and Vice News, she took the bold step into full-time freelance in 2017.
Abbey's impressive client list includes big names such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Google, Target, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Her digital art process, from initial sketches to the final colored product, is executed in Photoshop, and she utilizes a Cintiq to maintain the hand-crafted feel in her work. Inspired by fashion and textiles, Abbey frequently incorporates patterns and vibrant colors. When she's not immersed in digital art, she returns to her screen printing roots to get hands-on.
Beyond her creative endeavors, Abbey is an avid outdoor enthusiast, passionate about climbing and embracing the natural world.
→ Website
22. Eboy
Eboy, known as the "Godfathers of Pixel," was founded in 1997 by three German friends: Steffen Sauerteig, Svend Smital, and Kai Vermehr. With bases in Berlin, Germany, and Vancouver, Canada, Eboy leverages pixels as their artistic medium, exploring the vast realm of digital art. Their work is grounded in individual pixel images, meticulously crafted into unique compositions. Each of the three artists contributes to creating characters and set pieces, infusing their distinct styles.
Today, Eboy stands as an unrivaled master in their field, revered internationally and sought after by major companies for communication projects. Their art underscores the omnipresence of pixels in our daily lives, with computer desktops serving as windows into a pixelated second reality.
→ Website
23. Natalie Byrne
Natalie Byrne, one of the top illustrators, a talented Latina illustrator residing in London, discovered her illustrative calling while studying Graphic Design at Sheffield Hallam University. Her distinctive style beautifully marries vibrant colors with significant societal themes. Natalie's work serves as a powerful advocate for intersectional feminism and confronts pressing social issues like sexual assault, mental health, and equality. To illustrate such topics out in the open has granted her a lot of praise and appreciation from fellow creatives all over the world.
Her impact extends beyond her art, earning her recognition on platforms like BBC Woman's Hour, The Huffington Post, Refinery 29, The Good Trade, and Women of Illustration. Her collaborations encompass a diverse range of influential brands, including Canon, Nike, Vans, BBC, Unilever, and The Body Shop, solidifying her reputation as an illustrator with a powerful message.
→ Website
24. Haley Tippmann
Haley Tippmann, an American illustrator hailing from Rochester, NY, now calls Koblenz, Germany, her home. She honed her skills by studying Visual Communications Technology with a focus on Graphic Design at Monroe Community College in her hometown. Haley's artistic repertoire showcases her penchant for rendering everyday objects, scenes, and collections with a colorful, sketchy, and bold style.
In her creative toolkit, you'll find colored pencils, ink, acrylics, and an iPad with Procreate. As a keen observer, her illustrations draw inspiration from her environment and interactions, creating a vivid and dynamic body of work that captures the essence of her experiences.
→ Website
25. Luke McConkey
Luke McConkey, based in Liverpool, boasts a distinctive artistic style characterized by vibrant colors, bold lines, and whimsical characters. His creative wellspring draws from music, games, cartoons, and the world around him, making his work a lively and eclectic tapestry.
Luke's versatile portfolio spans editorial, design, branding, logos, album artwork, murals, beer labels, posters, and social content. He approaches his projects with a collaborative spirit, eagerly embracing his clients' ideas. In his own words, "I absolutely adore infusing joy and narratives into my work." Luke's dedication to storytelling and spreading happiness through art is palpable in every piece he creates.
→ Website
26. Liam Cobb
London-based artist Liam Cobb, known for his comic books, takes creative detours by crafting unique architectural drawings between his comic projects. These transitional moments offer him a departure from his usual routine. While comic book creation demands a high volume of drawings and dialogues within a tight schedule, Liam's stand-alone illustrations grant him the luxury of exploring different techniques and refining his style.
A common thread from Liam's comics to his standalone illustrations is his attention to detail, which creates self-contained visual narratives. Whether it's characters on a balcony, a solitary car on the roadside, Yayoi Kusama-inspired mushrooms and pumpkins, or the design of a rug in someone's apartment, each illustration hints at a story.
Liam notes, "The images still have a loose narrative running through them, but it's more suggestive." These top illustrators' illustrations, characterized by bold colors and distinct lines, offer a freer form of storytelling, inviting viewers to engage their imaginations.
→ Website
27. Maxime Mouysset
Maxime Mouysset, a Paris-based graphic designer with a passion for comics, effortlessly blends the two worlds. His journey led him to the School of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg, where he honed his skills. Maxime's youthful exuberance shines through in his artwork, where color takes center stage. His muse? Ming vases, games, and everyday life.
Inspiration strikes Maxime from various sources, including the New Yorker, Nike, the New York Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, GQ, Wired, The Atlantic, Centre Pompidou, monsieur l’Agent, Esquire, PSG, Vice, Club-Mate, and So Foot. These diverse influences breathe life into Maxime's unique illustrative style, marked by a comic book aesthetic and a vivid palette. He even delves into the credits of films, acknowledging the importance of the director of photography in storytelling.
→ Website
28. Cinta Arribas
Cinta Arribas, an illustrator residing in Valladolid, Spain, holds a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Salamanca. She's a storyteller through her art, infusing it with freshness, optimism, and a contemporary edge. Cinta's remarkable ability to simplify shapes and infuse her characters with dynamic poses and gestures is truly captivating.
She embarked on her artistic journey by studying Fine Arts in Salamanca from 2003 to 2008 and furthered her education in Kassel, Germany. Currently based in Madrid, she works as a freelance illustrator, contributing to projects like "Bababum," a series of activity books for kids, and "Hijos de Fruta," a fun fanzine for kids.
She conducts illustration workshops for children, teaching them to craft mobiles, create dinosaur-themed art, or even make their first fanzine, "Vaya jeta." Cinta's work spans various media, including collage, mixed media, and digital art.
→ Website
29. Brosmind
The Barcelona-based studio Brosmind was created by Juan and Alejandro Mingarro. In 2007, they established their studio in Barcelona, where they engage in all of these creative realms through commissioned work, personal projects, and exhibitions.
Their creative output has garnered international recognition, with publications, exhibitions, and awards around the world.
Their illustrations have received accolades from esteemed international awards, including Cannes Lions, Clio, Eurobest, Graphis, Sol, CdeC, Laus, and many others. They hold the distinction of being the most published Spanish illustrators in Lürzer's Archive and were recently featured in Lürzer's Archive Special "200 Best Illustrators Worldwide." The brothers have collaborated with prominent clients such as Nike, Microsoft, Virgin, Gillette, Honda, Land Rover, Volkswagen, and Kidrobot, among others.
→ Website
30. Xavier Mula
Xavier Mula, born in Igualada, Spain, in 1983, hails from a lineage of artists, with his father being a top illustrator, publicist, and graphic designer. Professionally dedicated to illustration for nearly six years, Xavier collaborates with publishers, design studios, newspapers, magazines, local governments, and the advertising world.
Since 2015, he has also been an art and design instructor at Gaspar Camps Art School. Xavier boasts a remarkable portfolio, featuring national and international illustration awards. In addition to his top illustrators' work, Xavier actively participates in numerous group and solo exhibitions across Spain.
Being an illustrator online, Xavier's creative process combines mixed media techniques, starting with acrylics and stamping and concluding with digital tools to convey his unique artistic expression. His primary objective is to effectively communicate the concept and message of each illustration while ensuring its beauty and visual appeal.
→ Website
31. Karan Singh
Karan Singh is a versatile Australian artist and illustrator with a background in Interaction Design from the University of Sydney and Malmö University in Sweden. This academic journey ignited his fascination with merging new media and visual art.
Karan's distinctive style is a modern and whimsical fusion of op-art and mid-century graphic design. His work delves into the interplay of color and pattern, utilizing constrained yet vibrant palettes to challenge our perception of depth and motion.
He finds inspiration in the ordinary, celebrating the ordinary forms and objects that often serve as the subjects of his creations. His explorations explore how we can elevate the mundane to the extraordinary by infusing them with optimism, ritual, and nostalgia. Karan's art spans a wide array of mediums, from prints and sculptures to music videos and augmented reality installations.
Throughout his professional career, Karan has worked in various cities, including Tokyo, New York, Malmö, Sydney, Melbourne, and Amsterdam, collaborating with renowned names like The Academy Awards, NASA, Louis Vuitton, Apple, and Hermes.
→ Website
32. Asahi Nagata
Asahi Nagata, born in Sapporo, Japan, currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a freelance illustrator with a passion for crafting exquisite designs that capture the essence of traditional printmaking techniques, such as risograph, screen printing, and linocut.
Drawing inspiration from the captivating world of vintage risographs, screen printing, and linocuts, Asahi brings an authentic retro effect, print-like texture, and a vibrant vintage color palette to her digital creations. Her brand, ILLO IRRO, combines "iro-iro," meaning "variety" in Japanese, with "illo," a short form for "illustration" in English.
Outside of her creative endeavors, Asahi enjoys spending time with her nearly two-year-old daughter, Ichiko, in the park. As a lifelong artist, drawing has been a cherished hobby since her early years. With a growing list of clients ranging from Google and Apple to Lucy and Yak and the Star Tribune, Asahi is making a significant impact in the world of illustration.
→ Website
33. Malika Favre
Malika Favre, a French artist with a base in both London and Barcelona, is celebrated globally for her artistry. She is renowned for her strikingly minimalist creations, using a handful of meticulously crafted vector shapes to convey her subjects.
In 2016, she made her debut as a cover illustrator for The New Yorker and has since become a regular contributor, with a focus on women's empowerment. Her distinctive style has had a significant impact over the past decade, essentially establishing a new genre of vector illustration.
Malika's mastery lies in the art of distilling an image to its essential elements while making it visually captivating. Her work emphasizes the use of light, almost as if she's painting with shadows. Despite the contrast, her work stands out brilliantly through her adept use of color.
Often emulated but never surpassed, Malika's client list includes notable names such as The New Yorker, Vogue, BAFTA, Sephora, Veja, Penguin Books, and many more.
→ Website
34. Kirsten Ulve
Kirsten Ulve, an award-winning top illustrator and designer based in New York City, boasts a versatile portfolio that spans a wide array of creative endeavors. Her art has graced magazine covers, international ad campaigns, buses, Broadway marquees, animated cartoons, TV commercials, and children's clothing, and even found its way into games, watches, and toy figurines across the globe.
Her expertise encompasses various fields, from fashion and beauty illustration to caricature and character development, along with skills in graphic design and conceptual illustration. Kirsten's top illustrators' artwork has been showcased in exhibitions in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Notably, she has a permanent installation of oversized prints on display at the Innside Hotel Nomad in New York City.
→ Website
35. Seth Armstrong
Seth Armstrong is an LA-based oil painter known for his mesmerizing work that blends breathtaking light, hyperrealism, and an intimate connection with his subjects. He earned his BFA from the California College of Arts and has honed his craft in diverse settings, from Northern Holland to Oakland.
While studying abroad in Holland, Armstrong fell in love with the tactile qualities of oil paint and its unique ability to capture light, which has become a hallmark of his work. His pieces have been exhibited in prestigious venues across the United States and Europe, including Unit London, the Urban Nation Contemporary Urban Art Museum in Berlin, and many more.
Armstrong's artistic talents extend beyond traditional painting. He has created captivating visuals for advertisements, articles, and even concert promotions, working with renowned artists like Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj. This successful journey has led him back to his hometown of Los Angeles, where his creativity has flourished.
Seth Armstrong continues to craft visually stunning and intimate artwork that resonates with audiences worldwide.
→ Website
36. Alaina Johnson
Alaina Johnson, a designer and illustrator hailing from the Pacific Northwest, is on a mission to infuse joy into the world through her creative work. Her passion lies in helping brands establish genuine connections with their audience by crafting playful visuals that resonate with their unique voice.
With over a decade of professional experience, Alaina has worn various hats, from an in-house designer dedicated to fine-tuning a single brand's identity to an art director overseeing a design team in an agency setting. Her unique blend of weirdness and whimsy consistently yields outstanding results.
Throughout her career, Alaina has collaborated with a diverse range of brands, including Rover, Apple, Comcast, Washington Post, Fast Company, the NEA, and many more. Her creative journey is all about spreading joy and fostering authentic connections.
→ Website
37. Gavin Connell
Gavin Connell, an illustrator and designer rooted in Dublin, Ireland, boasts a style influenced by a fusion of vintage comics, 1930s animation, old-school rave posters, and modern illustration and character design.
In 2018, fresh out of NCAD, he ventured into the world of freelancing, paving the way for his creative journey. His early experience as a junior designer alongside John Slade at H.Y.T Studio from 2017 to 2018, working with major brands like Nike and Vans, enriched his technical expertise. Gavin Connell's artistic path is an exciting blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair.
→ Website
38. Tim Lahan
Tim Lahan, a top illustrator and San Francisco-based artist, crafts cheeky and witty artwork inspired by the clever glitches and intriguing visuals he observes in the world around him. His approach is all about simplicity, often resulting in humor. Tim's work is sought after for magazines, brand campaigns, and music projects, injecting a dose of joy into each one.
His client roster includes notable names like Apple, Nike, Google, Island Records, Dropbox, Kenzo, Kiehl's, GAP, N.E.R.D./Pharrell, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Shopify, Coachella, GQ, The Washington Post, Pitchfork, and more. As an ADC Young Gun award winner, Tim Lahan's top illustrators' artwork strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and genuine humor, making him a standout illustrator.
→ Website
39. Gustavo Pedrosa
Gustavo Pedrosa, a freelance illustrator and designer hailing from Fortaleza, Brazil, excels at crafting playful characters and vibrant compositions. His work seamlessly blends a digital approach with an analog touch, effectively conveying clear concepts and emotions. Gustavo's creative realm revolves around humor, music, cats, and video games.
His trademark style involves the playful manipulation of bold shapes and proportions, resulting in quirky, colorful characters. Gustavo's portfolio boasts a diverse range of illustration projects, spanning tech, editorial, animation, and advertising. His ability to infuse fun and vibrancy into his work makes him a standout artist.
→ Website
40. Studio MUTI
MUTI, represented by Folio Art, is a dynamic creative studio established in 2011 and situated in Cape Town, South Africa. Their expertise encompasses a wide spectrum of projects, from digital painting to vector icons and custom designs.
This passionate team of illustrators and designers at Studio Muti is committed to crafting unique and inspiring artwork. They excel in various creative domains, including lettering, icons, digital painting, and animation. Some of their prominent clients include Uniqlo, Adobe, and Nike, showcasing their prowess in delivering original and compelling visuals.
→ Website
41. Spencer Gabor
Spencer Gabor, a Brooklyn-based Illustrator and Designer and one of the top illustrators, initially pursued a finance major in school. However, driven by his lifelong passion for drawing, he dedicated his nights and weekends to this creative endeavor. His journey led him to the realm of freelance art and illustration, where he specializes in crafting distinctive characters.
His work is characterized by bold, simple characters with uniquely quirky bodies and straightforward faces. Spencer has had the privilege of creating illustrations for renowned brands such as NPR, Lululemon, Jagermeister, and Harvard Business. Beyond digital art, his creations come to life on the walls of New York City through hand-painted murals.
→ Website
42. Jose Mendez
Jose Mendez is a Spanish illustrator and artist with a penchant for London and Barcelona. His artistic journey commenced at the age of 13 when he delved into graffiti. This passion led him to Madrid for graphic design studies and then to Paris, further enriching his artistic prowess. Jose has cultivated a unique style characterized by vibrant worlds inhabited by fearless characters, hand-drawn typography, psychedelic colors, bold shapes, and sinuous lines.
His work has graced a global stage and involved collaborations with esteemed brands, including Apple, Audi, BBC, Converse, Spotify, and The New York Times, among others. Beyond traditional illustration, Jose explores product design, physical installations, and grand murals. He's the genius behind the iconic Chin Chin wine label, earning admiration from East London.
→ Behance
43. Kemal Sanli
Kemal Sanli, a graphic designer and illustrator based in vibrant Istanbul, Turkey, has an extraordinary talent for transforming the everyday into something remarkable.
Blending his engineering background with a keen artistic sense, Kemal's work features bold geometric shapes and a vibrant color palette inspired by his dynamic surroundings. With his clever use of colors, Kemal manages to create such strong images that are perfectly assembled. A perfect style to use for patterns or as part of a visual identity, we’re excited to see his future projects.
→ Website
44. Ryan Dean Sprague
Ryan Dean Sprague, also known as Pavlov Visuals, is an accomplished American Graphic Designer and Illustrator residing in Dallas, Texas. Rooted in a passion for creativity and a strong dedication to clients, Pavlov Visuals has played a pivotal role in helping numerous brands discover their unique identities.
Pavlov's artistic journey commenced with a musical backdrop. As a member of various bands, he quickly grasped the importance of impactful branding and artwork to convey a band's message. This early experience paved the way for crafting identities for fellow artists and creating illustrations for global brands.
Through this creative odyssey, Pavlov has come to understand that crafting music is not so different from curating icons, logos, packaging designs, and illustrations. At its core, both forms of artistic expression share the goal of channeling creative energy to paint vivid landscapes, offer fresh perspectives, and invite audiences to partake in a meaningful experience.
→ Website
45. Pedro Oyarbide
Pedro Oyarbide, a Spanish illustrator currently based in Bristol, UK, seamlessly blends a distinctive hand-drawn style with vibrant influences from tattoo, comics, skateboard, and motorcycle cultures. With an impressive portfolio including collaborations with renowned brands like Hurley, Globe, Nike, and Triumph Motorcycles, Pedro has transitioned from working with various UK agencies to focusing on his flourishing freelance career as one of the top illustrators.
His illustrations showcase a unique fusion of recognizable hand-drawn aesthetics, woodcut prints, ornamental art, and a rich tapestry of pop culture references, comic books, skateboard graphics, and tattoos. Pedro's artistic repertoire spans diverse commercial and artistic projects, with recent specialization in intricate book covers, captivating playing card designs, and ornately crafted visuals.
→ Website
46. Christoph Niemann
Christoph Niemann, born in Waiblingen, Germany, is a versatile artist, author, and animator, recognized as one of the most famous illustrators of the 21st century. Having studied Graphic Design at the State Academy of Fine Art in Stuttgart from 1991 to 1997 under Heinz Edelmann, he received the Talent Of The Year Award from the Art Directors Club of Germany.
Niemann's whimsical and humorous illustrations grace the covers of renowned publications such as The New Yorker, National Geographic, and The New York Times Magazine, establishing him among the best illustrators of all time. As a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale and an inductee into the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame in 2010, Niemann's creative prowess extends to animations, augmented reality covers, and the celebrated "Abstract Sunday" column in The New York Times Magazine.
His popularity soared further with appearances in Netflix's series "Abstract," cementing his status as a prominent figure in the art world.
→ Website
47. Skinny Ships
Skinny Ships, the creative collaboration between Richard Perez and Jennifer DeRosa, stands as an independent creative haven in Portland, Oregon. Together, they craft delightful and vibrant work that resonates with fellow creatives and clients globally.
Their work is recognizable by their fun, vibrant, and often geometric-based shapes to create beautiful worlds that are loved by fellow creatives and clients all over the world. Their use of textures is quite impressive as well as it gives so much depth to an artwork, while it’s not a requirement in all of their projects.
Since 2013, this dynamic duo has lent their creative touch to design, illustration, and branding ventures for notable clients such as Facebook, Google, Fitbit, Square, Coca-Cola, IBM, and more. With a commitment to fun and charm, Skinny Ships continues to leave an indelible mark in the creative landscape.
→ Website
48. Tomi Um
Tomi Um, an illustrator and textile designer based in New York City, blends Korean roots with American upbringing. Born in Seoul in 1981 and raised in New Jersey, she earned the Print 2010 New Visual Artists Award, establishing herself as one of the top illustrators.
Tomi's versatile work graces newspapers and taxis alike, with a notable presence in the iconic Casper Mattress subway ads. Her portfolio extends to collaborations with renowned clients including Airbnb, Apple, Google, GQ, and The Wall Street Journal.
With a distinctive style marrying tradition and modernity, Tomi Um continues to weave her visual narratives across diverse mediums.
→ Website
49. Giacomo Bagnara
Based in Verona, Italy, Giacomo Bagnara is a celebrated illustrator and artist, earning recognition from American Illustration and the Society of Illustrators of NY.
With a keen eye for observation, Giacomo delves into different perspectives of everyday life, challenging his perceptions. His vibrant, bold, and lively style radiates playful energy, contributing to a diverse body of work.
From editorial illustrations and cover images to expansive advertising and rebranding campaigns, Giacomo's portfolio showcases his versatile talent. His clientele includes prominent names like Adobe, Amazon, Apple, BBC, Bloomberg Businessweek, Esquire, Facebook, Google, and HP.
→ Website
50. Pat Perry
Born in Michigan, Pat Perry is a versatile American visual artist based in Detroit, known for his paintings, drawings, photographs, and large-scale outdoor murals. His journey in the 2010s, captured in sketchbooks and photos, unintentionally became some of his most renowned works, solidifying his position among the top illustrators.
Perry's art extends beyond aesthetics, drawing attention to social issues through collaborations with organizations like the Beehive Design Collective and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. His recent work explores the beauty in scenes of American suburban and midwestern life.
While showcasing his art and engaging in various creative projects, Perry frequently travels. Residing in downtown Detroit, he's on a mission to regrow a forest on the vacant lots surrounding his house.
→ Website
Wrapping up the list of top illustrators for 2024
There it is! Our 50 top illustrators to follow in 2024.
Hopefully, you have found some new illustrators to follow their journey and get inspired by them. Whether you’re an illustrator yourself looking to get inspired or a business that’s looking for an illustrator to work on a project, you might have found your next “illustrator crush”.
Nowadays, you won’t have to think of questions such as “What are the best illustrators near me?”, but rather “What illustrator fits my project the best?” While social media made it much easier to connect, it can be challenging to oversee what this creative space has to offer. So hopefully this guide helps you along the way.If you haven’t had a look at our top illustrators to follow in 2023 just yet, make sure to check that out as well. Illustration has become an even more important factor of visual communication over the years and trend reports expect this to only become more popular over the next few years.
For all creatives out there, consider elevating your projects by incorporating illustration, it can significantly upgrade a brand identity. Crafting distinctive branded photography can be challenging, but a well-defined illustration style adds a robust layer to your brand's identity.
Make sure to have a look at the biggest graphic design trends for 2024 to get ahead of the curve and know what’s trending in the industry. Also, keep an eye out for our 2024 Trendbook as we’ll be looking into even more trends to get you ready for next year.
Find more design inspiration on the Jukebox blog.
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