Use Illustrations Instead of Photos (usually)

When you're designing a website or app, you can use either illustrations or photos for your imagery. My default preference is to work with an illustrator to create illustrations. (Note: I try to avoid stock photos or illustrations for projects that have a decent budget).

Here's why I like Illustrations:

Speed

It's quicker to create a beautiful illustration than it is to create a beautiful photo.

Flexibility

If an illustration isn't quite working, it's easy to change on the fly. As opposed to a photoshoot which needs to planned and executed ahead of time.

Cost

It's cheaper to hire a world class illustrator than it is to hire a world class photographer.

Easy site updates

Sometimes your website needs updating. Maybe your business evolved and now step 2 on your how-it-works page is no longer accurate. With illustrations, you can easily change the image that depicts that step. If you used a photo you would need to call the photographer (and crew) back for a costly re-shoot.

Conceptual

Illustrations are great for conveying concepts.

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Here's a non-exhaustive list of industries where I would learn toward using Illustrations when creating a new brand or website. Such industries tend to sell services and concepts rather than tangible products. Many are also B2B companies.

• Software

• Finance

• Investment

• Biotech

• Telecommunications

• Legal

• IT services

• Energy

• Insurance

• Accounting

When should you use Photography?

Photography is often better when you're trying to influence a users emotions. And photos are obviously great for selling physical products. Here's a few industries where I'd use probably use photos instead of illustrations.

• E-commerce

• Real estate

• Automotive

• Beauty

• Fashion

• Food

• Hospitality

• Healthcare

• Pharmaceuticals

best, Mason