illustrationrather

Illustrationrather is a term used in design and visual communication to describe a deliberate preference for illustration over photography or other photographic imagery in conveying information, mood, or branding. It denotes a policy or aesthetic that treats illustration as the primary means of visual storytelling rather than live-action or stock photography.

Etymology and usage: The phrase has appeared in online design discourse since the early 2020s, where designers discuss editorial and marketing contexts in which illustration-driven visuals are favored. Illustrationrather is often contrasted with photography-forward approaches and is described as a guideline or principle rather than a hard rule.

Characteristics and techniques: It favors hand-drawn, vector, or stylized imagery, including flat design, line art, isometric diagrams, and editorial cartoons. Visuals are typically designed to be consistent in color, line weight, and level of detail, supporting clear visual hierarchy and accessibility. The approach is commonly applied across magazines, educational materials, product interfaces, and brand storytelling to achieve a distinctive, cohesive look.

Applications and implications: Illustrationrather can improve brand consistency, simplify licensing and rights management, and enhance readability by reducing photographic variability. It may also enable rapid iteration and localization of visuals. However, critics caution that overreliance on illustration can reduce perceived realism or emotional nuance in certain topics, making judicious use important.

See also: Graphic design; Illustration; Visual communication; Editorial illustration; Isometric art.