11 Apr, 2025
4 min read
by Justin Woo

Lettering Legends: 14 Illustrators Redefining Typography in Commercial Art

Lettering Legends: 14 Illustrators Redefining Typography in Commercial Art
Typography isn't just about letters; it's about bringing characters to life—literally. In the dynamic world of design, certain illustrators have mastered the art of infusing personality into every curve and stroke, transforming text into visual masterpieces. From hand-drawn music posters to cutting-edge CGI creations, these artists are setting trends and elevating brands across advertising, social media, installations, and beyond. Dive into the works of these 14 typography virtuosos who are redefining the alphabet as we know it.

Tina Touli

Based in New York. Represented by Atrbute

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Based in London, Tina Touli is a multidisciplinary designer renowned for seamlessly blending the physical and digital realms. Her expertise in kinetic typography has led to collaborations with industry giants like Adobe and The New Yorker. Touli's innovative approach transforms static letters into mesmerizing motion graphics, making her a sought-after name in contemporary design.

Manchester's own Harrison Edwards channels a love for retro aesthetics into his bold, humor-infused illustrations. Specializing in character design and punchy typography, Edwards has worked with brands such as Blue Moon and Jägermeister, delivering visuals that are both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. 

The German duo known as Yeye Weller captivates audiences with vibrant, eye-popping illustrations. Their work, a harmonious blend of handmade and digital techniques, features playful typography that has adorned murals, posters, and various design projects, making them a dynamic force in the art scene. ​

Splitting his time between New York and London, Toby Triumph crafts detailed hand-drawn pieces with an irreverent edge. His work, characterized by the integration of characters and witty phrases, has been featured across product packaging, advertising campaigns, and large-scale murals for clients like Coca-Cola and Adidas.

Madrid-based CESS Studio pushes the boundaries of typography with their 3D-rendered typefaces inspired by famous artworks. Their "Artphabet" project reimagines each letter in the style of renowned artists, showcasing a fusion of art history and modern design that is both educational and visually stunning. ​

Sawdust

Based in London. Represented by B&A

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The creative partnership of Rob Gonzalez and Jonathan Quainton, known as Sawdust, has been delivering award-winning typographic designs for nearly two decades. Collaborating with brands like Apple and Nike, their work is celebrated for its sculptural quality and innovative approach to letterforms. 

Colombian designer Ana Moreno, founder of Letteringiam, specializes in illustration and lettering. Her colorful, bold designs have graced advertising campaigns, packaging, and editorial projects, reflecting a deep passion for typographic artistry.

Sydney-based illustrator Sindy Sinn is renowned for his rock 'n' roll-inspired artwork. Specializing in band posters, bar murals, and beer branding, Sinn's bold typography and skull motifs have become synonymous with the music and hospitality scenes. 

Barcelona-born, New York-based Alex Trochut is a trailblazer in the world of typography and illustration. His expressive visual style, which merges pop culture and street art influences, has attracted clients like The Rolling Stones and Katy Perry, solidifying his status as a contemporary design icon. ​

Sydney-based designer Gehan Magee brings a hip-hop flair to his typographic creations. With a background in digital graphic design, Magee's work often features handcrafted fonts and bold lettering that resonate with urban culture and contemporary aesthetics. ​

London-based Andrew Footit is an independent designer focusing on illustrative typography in both 2D and 3D formats. His collaborations with brands like Nike and Apple showcase his ability to blend type design with cutting-edge visual trends. ​

Australian type designer and lettering artist Dave Coleman infuses a playful spirit into his creations. Known for his work with The Australian Graphic Supply Co., Coleman's typefaces often feature reversed contrast and whimsical elements, adding a touch of fun to functional design. ​

Los Angeles-based illustrator and designer Kelly Malka draws from her Moroccan heritage to create vibrant, culturally infused typography.

See all Illustrators featured on Visie.

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