As we step into 2025, the world of illustration continues to evolve at an exciting pace, shaped by rapid technological advancements, shifting cultural narratives, and a renewed hunger for artistic authenticity. For illustrators aiming to stay ahead of the curve—or for art enthusiasts eager to understand where the industry is heading—here’s an in-depth look at what’s trending and what’s falling out of favour in the illustration landscape.

What’s In?

1. AI-Enhanced Creativity
Artificial Intelligence is no longer seen as a futuristic tool limited to experimental projects. Instead, it has become an everyday assistant for illustrators worldwide. AI-driven platforms now help with mood board generation, dynamic colour palette suggestions, texture overlays, and even perspective correction. Importantly, artists are embracing AI not to replace their creativity, but to complement and accelerate their workflow. This allows for more time spent on conceptualisation and storytelling, ensuring each piece retains a unique human touch.

AI tools are also being used for repetitive tasks like background extension and flat colouring, freeing illustrators to focus on composition, lighting, and emotion. The smart use of AI has become a valued skill in itself, with clients increasingly expecting artists to integrate these tools into their process while maintaining full creative control.

2. Handcrafted Aesthetics
Despite the dominance of digital media, there is a powerful resurgence in traditional illustration techniques. Watercolours, ink sketches, gouache paintings, and even collage methods are making a vibrant comeback. This revival is driven by a collective craving for the authenticity, rawness, and tactile imperfections of hand-drawn art. Even within digital platforms, illustrators are turning to software that mimics the unpredictability of real brushes, paper textures, and paint bleeds. Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Corel Painter are just a few examples of tools embracing this analogue aesthetic. This blend of digital convenience with analogue charm is redefining how artists approach their craft, leading to hybrid works that celebrate both worlds.

3. Maximalist Storytelling
Minimalism has been a strong force in illustration over the past decade, but 2025 marks a confident shift towards maximalism. Illustrators are embracing complexity—creating layered compositions filled with intricate details, rich textures, and dynamic colour schemes. This movement aligns with the rising popularity of fantasy art, surrealism, graphic novels, and narrative-driven illustration. Viewers now seek art that invites longer engagement and rewards repeated viewing with hidden elements and storytelling layers. The emphasis is on emotional impact and visual immersion.

4. Augmented and Virtual Reality Illustrations
Illustration is breaking free from the page and screen. More artists are venturing into the world of AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality), crafting immersive art experiences where audiences can interact with characters and environments in real time. From illustrated filters on social media platforms to 360-degree VR storytelling apps and interactive museum exhibits, illustrators are expanding their skill sets to meet demand in this fast-growing digital space. Motion illustration and animated storytelling are also becoming critical skills.

5. Eco-Conscious and Nature-Inspired Art
As environmental issues remain at the forefront of global conversation, illustrators are increasingly embracing eco-conscious themes. Earthy colour palettes, botanical motifs, animal conservation messages, and designs that raise awareness about sustainability are becoming more visible across editorial, commercial, and personal illustration projects. This trend reflects not just aesthetic choices but also an underlying message of environmental responsibility and social awareness. Packaging design and branding for eco-friendly companies are also driving demand for nature-inspired illustration styles.

6. Nostalgic Retro Revival
The visual language of the 1980s and 1990s continues to inspire artists in 2025. Pixel art, neon gradients, VHS-inspired textures, glitch aesthetics, and comic-book-style halftones are enjoying a fresh wave of popularity. This retro revival taps into collective nostalgia while giving artists space to reinterpret these styles for modern audiences, blending past and present in compelling new ways. Social media content and indie gaming industries are particularly driving this aesthetic boom.

What’s Out?

1. Overly Flat and Generic Vector Art
While clean vector styles dominated the 2010s, audiences are growing weary of flat, lifeless designs. The demand now leans towards illustrations with more personality, depth, and visual texture.

2. Pure AI-Generated Art Without Human Input
There’s growing criticism of purely AI-generated artworks that lack human direction or narrative. Clients and audiences want to see the artist’s voice and hand in the final piece, making authentic storytelling more valued than ever.

3. Extreme Minimalism
While simplicity still holds its place, excessively minimalistic works with sparse detailing are losing ground. Rich, textured, and emotionally resonant pieces are taking centre stage.

4. Generic Corporate Illustrations
The era of faceless, flat corporate visuals is ending. Brands are now investing in bespoke, character-driven illustrations that offer emotional connection and uniqueness.

5. Untextured Digital Art
Digital work that lacks texture and feels overly sterile is being phased out. In its place, illustrators are adopting painterly effects, grain overlays, and naturalistic textures to bring warmth and depth.

In summary, illustration trends in 2025 reflect a creative landscape that values authenticity, storytelling, sustainability, and technological innovation. Whether it’s through AI-assisted workflows, handcrafted aesthetics, or immersive digital experiences, artists are pushing boundaries while keeping humanity at the heart of their work.

References:

1. Behance Trend Reports – https://www.behance.net/
2. Adobe Creativity Insights 2025 – https://www.adobe.com/
3. Society of Illustrators Annual Trends – https://www.societyillustrators.org/
4. AI and Art Research from MIT – https://www.media.mit.edu/
5. Creative Boom Illustration Forecast – https://www.creativeboom.com/
6. Print Magazine Design Trends – https://www.printmag.com/
7. ArtStation Community Insights – https://www.artstation.com/