Why Hiring an Illustrator is Important For Your Business

When it comes to the success of your business, never underestimate the power of illustration. Illustration has the ability to solve problems, communicate powerful messages, and visualize complex ideas. On top of that, incorporating illustration into your product design adds a human touch to the experience, rendering your product or service friendlier and easier to use.

So, why hire an illustrator versus using more cost-effective alternatives like stock art or open resources? Keep reading to learn why thoughtful, commissioned illustration has more value than these alternatives will ever provide, and why it’s worth the price tag.

They will help your business stand out from competitors

Hiring an illustrator for commissioned work means you’ll be purchasing artwork that you can own exclusive rights to. When it comes to stock art that everyone has access to, there’s no guarantee of how many other brands are using the same imagery as you.

Instead of sourcing public art, it’s much more valuable as a brand to invest in illustration work that was thoughtfully and strategically designed to have a unique association with your brand and goals. Hiring an illustrator will help your business stand out from the crowd while also creating brand awareness and familiarity through distinct, custom artwork.

They will tell your brand’s unique story

Work with an illustrator to create artwork specifically geared towards your brand’s audience and customer demographic. Your brand’s story is unique and deserves to be communicated in an authentic way rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach. An illustrator will work with you to create a style and visual language that supports your brand’s message and unique personality — an indispensable tool for attracting users and earning their trust. Illustrator Matt Carlson explains this perfectly in his article, Tell Your Story Through Illustration:

“An illustration is meant to engage an audience and bring them into the story. Any company or organization can tell you what an increase in value there is to a brand, product, or cause when an audience is caught up in the story behind it. There is a moment to capture an audience’s minds or hearts and create a connection or a memory.” — Matt Carlson, Freelance Illustrator

They will visualize ideas specific to your product or service

One of illustration’s most powerful uses when it comes to your business is visualizing how to use your product or how your service works. An illustrator will visualize these complex, abstract ideas, and make it easier for your visitors to understand what you’re all about. Some of the most admired brands use illustration to make their product friendly, approachable, and far less intimidating than described in a block of text.

Using pre-made imagery comes with the risk of confusing your audience because it’s not explicitly addressing your product. Don’t underestimate the power of custom illustrations to accompany your targeted messaging.

Provide your creative feedback

Nothing can replace working and collaborating with an expert in their craft. Working directly with an illustrator is meant to be a collaborative experience where you hold a wealth of opportunity for input and ultimately influence the outcome of the deliverables. You’ll work together to come up with the best visual solution based on your business needs.

If this is a new experience for you, then it’s a good idea to use a project management tool like Bonsai. You’ll be able to track your time, plan tasks with the illustrator, and manage your projects from one easy platform.

At the end of the day, stock resources can’t replace an illustrator’s expertise and the opportunity for an inclusive, collaborative creative process.

Why you should hire an illustrator

When it comes to your business, illustration is not all about aesthetics. Illustration is complex and requires a great deal of problem-solving. Illustrators pour hours of research, concept ideation, sketching, and more, into their work to ensure you get the best possible visual solution to fit your business needs.

If your business can afford it, the investment is absolutely worth making. If you can’t afford it right now, know that it’s an investment worth making down the line. Stock art has its place in the creative world, but it can’t replace the skills, expertise, and collaborative opportunities that you’ll find with an experienced illustrator. Ready to level up your brand? Hire an illustrator on Dribbble.