When to use illustration
Illustration is a powerful communication tool if it’s used to enhance messaging and communication.
Common uses for illustration:
- Blog post graphics: To convey the topic of the post.
- Empty states: When a page has no results, or when something goes wrong.
- Onboarding and support: For introducing a new feature or explaining how to use your product. Often used in the help sidebar of the product.
- Swag: T-shirts, hoodies and stickers.
Signals that illustration might be useful:
- Users are unsure of what to do next.
- Users need help learning a new process or concept.
- A feature is being missed, misused, or underused.
- There’s too much text or the text is not being read and understood.
Illustration best practice
✓ Have a central focus for the image
✓ Use Octopus cyan in each illustration
✓ Use a front-on perspective where possible
✓ Use the Octopus icon where relevant. Typically in product-related posts
✕ Choose colours outside our palette
✕ Use gradients
✕ Use strokes to define shapes
✕ Use out-of-proportion people
✕ Use opacity or overlay effects