Why bespoke illustrations are replacing stock imagery in digital learning
We’ve all heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” In today’s digital age, this couldn’t be more relevant.
According to Neilson, 70% of social media prefer to engage with visuals rather than text-heavy content.
However, the nature of these visuals is changing. More brands are moving away from generic stock imagery and embracing bespoke illustrations to enhance their visual identity and create stronger, more authentic connections with their audience.
The decline of stock imagery
Stock images have long been the go-to solution for brands and designers needing quick, high-quality visuals. They can work fantastically, but do come with some significant drawbacks.
While stock images offer convenience and cost savings, they often lack uniqueness. Many stock images appear on multiple websites, making them feel generic and uninspired. This can dilute a brand’s individuality and impact.
Stock images rarely align perfectly with a brand’s unique messaging and can often fail to capture a brand’s specific essence. This makes it difficult to create a consistent and authentic visual identity.
The rise of bespoke illustrations
Custom illustrations offer a fresh alternative, providing a host of advantages that help brands stand out in a crowded digital space:
Boost brand identity
Bespoke illustrations are becoming a cornerstone for brands aiming to stand out, reflecting their unique identity and values.
Custom illustrations align perfectly with a brand’s aesthetic, reinforcing its identity and making it more memorable.
For e-learning platforms and online courses, bespoke illustrations help maintain a cohesive and professional look, strengthening brand identity and making courses more recognizable.
Personalising learning experiences
Unlike stock images, illustrations offer limitless creative possibilities, enabling brands to tell their story in a unique and engaging way.
Unlike stock images, custom illustrations can be tailored to match different learning styles and demographics, making educational content more relatable and inclusive. This fosters a deeper connection between the learner and the material.
Simplifying complex information
Bespoke illustrations can break down difficult topics into digestible, easy-to-understand visuals, improving comprehension.
Enhancing interactivity
Illustrations can be incorporated into interactive infographics, gamified elements, and digital storytelling to make learning more dynamic and immersive. Animated illustrations can also be used in explainer videos to enhance understanding.
Improved user experience
Illustrations integrated within digital learning can guide users through content seamlessly, improve navigation, and increase engagement.
Custom illustrations make learning materials visually appealing and interactive, capturing learners’ attention and helping them retain information more effectively. Visuals simplify complex concepts and make abstract ideas more tangible.
Visually appealing content reduces cognitive overload and makes learning more enjoyable. Students are more likely to stay engaged when presented with creative and thoughtfully designed illustrations.
A shift towards inclusivity and diversity
One of the most significant recent visual trends is the emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Brands are no longer relying on one-size-fits-all imagery; instead, they are commissioning illustrations that authentically represent a diverse range of ethnicities, body types, genders, and lifestyles.
Custom visuals can depict diverse characters, scenarios, and learning environments, ensuring inclusivity and representation in digital learning materials. This is especially important for global audiences.
This shift is not just a moral imperative — it’s also good business. In the UK, 64% of consumers expect companies to take a stand on social issues, including representation and inclusivity.
The future of visual storytelling
In a world where digital users crave authenticity, brands must move beyond stock imagery and embrace the limitless possibilities of bespoke illustrations.
Whether it’s through whimsical graphics, bold artistic statements, or hand-drawn elements that reflect real-world diversity, bespoke illustrations allow brands to forge deeper, more meaningful connections with their audience.
The future of digital learning design lies in crafting engaging, visually compelling stories – and custom illustrations are the key to unlocking that potential.
