29 Mar, 2025
8 min read
by Justin Woo

The Art of Branding: Top Illustrators Shaping 2025's Visual Landscape

The Art of Branding: Top Illustrators Shaping 2025's Visual Landscape
In the dynamic world of branding and marketing, 2025 has emerged as a pivotal year where illustration takes center stage. Brands, both established and emerging, are leveraging the power of illustration to create authentic connections, tell compelling stories, and stand out in a saturated market. The fusion of traditional artistry with modern technology has opened new avenues for illustrators to influence brand narratives profoundly.

Illustration has transcended its traditional boundaries, becoming a crucial tool in brand storytelling. From editorial pieces to advertising campaigns, illustrators are crafting visuals that resonate with audiences, evoke emotions, and drive engagement. This shift underscores a broader trend where consumers seek genuine, human-centric content amidst the digital noise.​

The following list showcases 25 illustrators who are at the forefront of this movement. Their unique styles and innovative approaches are not only redefining visual storytelling but also setting new standards in the creative industry.

Stefania Tejada’s work is a vivid tribute to femininity, nature, and Latin American heritage. With commanding colors and richly patterned compositions, her illustrations radiate power and mysticism. She’s become a go-to for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands that want to celebrate identity and culture with bold authenticity.

Elsa Martino brings a certain cinematic quiet to her illustrations—flattened shapes, subtle gradients, and an emotionally-charged stillness that lingers. Her work feels deeply modern yet intimate, ideal for brands seeking minimalist storytelling with emotional depth. Think editorial cool meets introspective design.

Known for her charming, childlike line work and playful compositions, Iris de Mouy captures everyday narratives with disarming simplicity. Her illustrations pulse with energy and spontaneity, making her a favorite for brands targeting youth, lifestyle, or anything that thrives on a touch of whimsy and warmth.

Kyle Bean

Based in New York. Represented by Atrbute

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Kyle Bean’s work blurs the line between sculpture, set design, and illustration. He constructs visual metaphors by hand—paper, wood, everyday objects—and then photographs them to create clever, concept-driven imagery. His tactile aesthetic is sought after by tech, editorial, and luxury brands looking for depth and wit.

With bold lines, tongue-in-cheek humor, and a pop-art sensibility, Toby Triumph doesn’t just illustrate—he shouts. His work is loud in the best way, brimming with cultural references and kinetic typography. Perfect for music, streetwear, or any brand that doesn’t whisper their message.

Sydney-based illustrator Jim Tsinganos brings over 25 years of experience to his evocative, concept-driven artwork. Specializing in pastels and watercolors, his illustrations have graced the pages of Time, adorned Qantas airline posters, and even featured on Australian postage stamps. Jim's work is celebrated for its compelling narratives and has earned him numerous international awards.

Joanna Gniady's moody, stylized characters feel pulled from a modern-day fable. Her strong silhouettes, restrained palettes, and expressive figures create tension and elegance in equal measure. She's a standout for fashion editorials and campaigns looking for sophisticated edge with a story behind the stare.

Guillaume Kurkdjian crafts warm, inviting 3D worlds full of charm and quiet detail. His looping animations and pastel-toned scenes are equal parts whimsical and intelligent—making complex platforms and brand narratives approachable, digestible, and completely delightful. He’s a UX dream with Pixar sensibility.

Marcel Van Luit

Based in London, Amsterdam. Represented by Monday

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Blending photography with digital painting, Marcel van Luit builds dreamscapes that walk the line between real and surreal. His atmospheric compositions pull viewers into imaginative realms—perfect for brands looking to tap into emotion, escapism, and a sense of wonder.

Jeanne Boyer captures contemporary life with a breezy, French cool. Her clean lines, expressive characters, and muted palettes bring a subtle chicness to editorial and lifestyle projects. Whether she’s illustrating café scenes or modern-day muses, her work feels timeless and effortlessly stylish.

Craig & Karl are the definition of maximalist joy—serving up bold color blocking, geometric forms, and playful character design. Their work is instantly iconic, often straddling the line between art and design. They’ve partnered with global giants and indie disruptors alike, always bringing a riot of color and charisma.

Dominic Kesterton’s flowing linework and soft, organic compositions feel both modern and mythic. His abstract, often symbolic illustrations give off a dreamlike energy that suits everything from editorial spreads to wellness campaigns. For brands seeking subtlety with soul, Dominic delivers.

French illustrator and graphic designer Hermann Koudou—better known as Saturn—conjures vibrant, esoteric universes that feel both ancient and ultramodern. His work channels a conceptual electricity, where bold colors and simple shapes form symbolic patterns that hum with contemporary mysticism. Whether he’s working in illustration, screen printing, animation, or even carpet weaving, Saturn’s visual language dances between abstraction and figuration, intuition and intention. He describes his process as “primitive,” yet there’s nothing basic about it—his pieces feel like modern hieroglyphs, designed to speak directly to the subconscious. For brands that want to blend spirituality, psychedelia, and design-forward thinking, Saturn offers an aesthetic that’s utterly magnetic.

David Doran

Based in New York. Represented by B&A

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With a distinctly retro flavor, David Doran’s textured illustrations nod to mid-century modernism while staying totally fresh. He excels at narrative scenes packed with tiny stories and personality. A hit in publishing and advertising alike, his work adds charm, color, and crafted warmth to every project.

Alberto Lot’s architectural precision and cool conceptual thinking result in illustrations that feel engineered yet full of life. His style is ideal for high-level branding—particularly in tech, science, and finance—where ideas need to be communicated with both clarity and style.

Akiko Stehrenberger’s illustrations demand attention—whether through haunting portraits, visual puns, or cinematic depth. Known for her poster work in film and editorial, she brings a painterly realism and a razor-sharp concept to every piece. She’s the secret weapon for brands who want to say more with less.

Coen Pohl visualizes urban spaces and systems with architectural elegance. His isometric illustrations often center on transportation and infrastructure, translating complexity into clean, stylish visuals. A perfect match for cities, mobility apps, and forward-thinking brands focused on clarity and design.

Call Me George(s) operates at the crossroads of surrealism and philosophy. Their work is dense with metaphor, layered textures, and deep, cerebral vibes. Perfect for album covers, editorial art, and fashion brands that want more than just a pretty picture—this is visual storytelling with teeth.

Parisian art director, graphic designer, and illustrator Noémie Cédille is a versatile creative force. Her work seamlessly blends graphic design with illustration, resulting in unique visual identities, editorial designs, and pattern creations. Noémie's multidisciplinary approach allows her to craft compelling narratives across various mediums.

French illustrator Théophile Sutter infuses humor and charm into his work, often exploring themes of daily life with a whimsical twist. His collaborations, such as with Tempura magazine, showcase his ability to address complex topics like malnutrition through engaging visuals that resonate with a broad audience.

Based near Bath, UK, Andy Goodman is a designer and illustrator known for his clever visual puns and minimalist aesthetic. Utilizing geometric shapes and bold colors, his work often delves into themes of well-being and mindfulness. Andy's portfolio includes collaborations with IKEA, The Daily Telegraph, and the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Mcbess

Based in London. Represented by B&A

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French-born, London-based illustrator McBess combines vintage cartoon aesthetics with contemporary themes, creating intricate, monochromatic artworks. His pieces often feature musical elements, reflecting his passion as a musician and member of the band The Dead Pirates. McBess has collaborated with brands like Nike and Jack Daniel's, infusing his distinctive style into commercial projects.

Seville-based graphic artist and illustrator Martin Satí is renowned for his dynamic compositions that blend traditional fine art techniques with digital design. Describing himself as a "graphic craftsman," Martin's work is characterized by fluid forms and vibrant colors, making him a sought-after talent for clients seeking innovative visual solutions.

South London-based illustrator and designer Chris Harnan focuses on abstraction, aiming to "reduce, abstract, and simplify everything." Working both digitally and with traditional media, his minimalist approach emphasizes basic shapes and patterns to convey complex emotions and narratives. Chris has collaborated with various clients, bringing his distinctive style to a wide range of projects.

See all Illustrators featured on Visie.

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