Post-Covid illustration trends that will make you smile

We all can use a little happiness these days. A year and a half later, the pandemic is still here; with an end that is still a little further from sight.

When it comes to creating illustrations for the future, we believe that  works that are whimsical, colorful, vibrant and joyful will add a much needed breath of fresh air during these difficult times. In times of crisis, we need more joy – not just our lives, but in the news that we read, and the things we take in around us.

Here’s what we think illustration trends will be gearing towards, as we cautiously navigate a post-Covid world:

Illustration/Martin Tognola

Colourful, vivid illustrations

Illustrations that pop with colour makes for a great, stark contrast against the gloom and doom of current news and events around the world. Illustrations such as these impart a lighthearted tone with an eye-catching approach; particularly with subjects and topics that are playful, positive and fun.

Illustration: De.Be.Pe for Shopify

Illustration: Mai Ly Degnan

Whimsical illustrations

Whimsical illustrations have the ability to lift people’s spirits, remind everyone of simpler, happier times; as well as a brighter future to come. The colours that are often used are vibrant, with simple line work that effectively convey playfulness. They impart a child-like sense of wonder about the world, and a curiosity for things – old and new.

Illustration: Audrey Malo for Goldfish Canada

Illustration: Maren Amini

Uplifting cartoons

As life slowly inches its way back towards a semblance of normalcy one day at a time, we will see a lot more illustrations and cartoons that are humorous, fun and perhaps even a little silly! It’s time for a little sunshine to peek through, and we feel it’s no better way to get your message across with fun illustrations that will make people smile. Just like how it is with kids, great cartoons can make us forget about the state of the world, even if it’s just for a little while.

Illustration: Gemma Correll

Illustration: Agathe Bray-Bourret

Illustration: Craig Hopson

Illustration: Alex Antonescu

Illustration:  Nathan Hackett for Red Bull