Retro and vintage illustrators whose work you should see

A lot of people think that illustration is only beautiful images and pictures. However, it is more than that. It can go from simple meaningless designs to designs that show social, economic, or even political issues. It shows a new, unique, and personal approach to individuality, design, and creativity. Every day new designs emerge all over the world. This large amount of designs often creates confusion as to which one to choose.

However, you can never dislike retro and vintage designs or vintage illustrators. This type of work will add a nice touch to every design. It will bring a genuine nostalgic feel to them. Their unique faded colors, precise typography, and imagery will retrieve an old unexplainable feeling.

Here’s a list of several vintage illustrators

Tom Haugomat

Tom Haugomat, a Paris -based illustrator, is an excellent start for your designs. He has been making before-mentioned vintage designs for quite an extended period. They are highly sophisticated. These designs come in a stripped-back vintage style. They have intense colors with dramatic geometric patterns. The reason these designs are so amazing is that Tom is both an illustrator and an animator. He is one of the best vintage illustrators whose hard work you can sense and feel.

Eric Comstock’s

Eric is an American illustrator. His designs are contemporary, with a pinch of retro aesthetics. Long before illustrating, Eric worked in advertising. He has 11 years of experience and lifetime expertise. His designs are colorful, vivid, and quirky. They all come in a vintage style and are utterly perfect.

Caroline Church

If you’re striving for a more traditional and authentic atmosphere – Caroline church is the perfect illustrator for you. She is a scrap board artist with years of experience. Her illustrations are expertly made. They are great for creating a comfortable yet sentimental mood. Her work shows best in designs where modern meets vintage.

PawelJonca

What better guarantees an artist’s quality and expertise than multiple awards. As one of the greatest vintage illustrators, PawelJonca is an artist whose awards showcase his tremendous creativity. Pawel has worked on some of the most respected publications and companies. His work is known both locally and internationally. His works are minimalist yet still contain simplistic compositions. They also come with many descriptive details and designs. You can see that he puts a lot of attention and emotion into his works.

Adam Nickel

Adam nickel is also among the most skilled vintage illustrators motivated by mid-century designs. His artworks are well known and relished. His artwork has a distinctive characteristic. He has it all if you are interested in retro and vintage imagery from substantial textures to vintage color pallets.

Ralph Cosentino

Ralph is an author and illustrator behind many children’s books. Not only that, but he has interpreted several books in many languages. His illustrations exist in a special place in the world of illustrations.

Mary Kate McDevitt

Mary Kate McDevitt brings a vintage, handcrafted aesthetic to her stunning illustrative lettering projects. This Philadelphia letterer and illustrator is married to retro characters as well as layers of detail and ornate lettering. You can find her artwork in this beautiful collection of Edin Blyton’s stories. She regularly posts her lettering artwork online. You can simply check it out or even order some of her works. This skilled illustrator has gained many fans worldwide, and without a doubt, she will make it big in no time.

Travis Coburn

Apart from being inspired by the Russian avant-garde movement, Travis Coburn styles contain elements of 1940s comic book art and various printed materials from the 50s and 60s. He works exclusively with top tier clients such as Lexus, Virgin, Heineken, and even Volvo. You can see their brand conveying a modern look. aHowever his vintage-styled illustrations get the spotlight when he works with clients like Esquire, GQ, Field & Stream. His art is flexible, depending on his clients’ demands. This is yet another proof of how talented he is. This is what makes him unique and desirable for clients.

Timba Smits

Timba Smits, the creative director of the Church of London, has a wide range of projects. He is well known for his retro and vintage illustrations. His portfolio is vast and impressive. He exhibits his work all over the world and even goes to various speaking events. He is one of the most creative vintage illustrators out there.

Patrick Leger

Ever Since 2007, illustrator Patrick Leger has been working for magazines, books, advertising, and animation. Patrick Leger currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. Among his Clients you may find:

The New York Times
ESPN / Newsweek
WIRED
Bloomberg
Businessweek
New York Magazine
Maclean’s
Entertainment Weekly
The New Yorker
Scientific American
The Atlantic Monthly and so much more.

Migy Blanco

Migy Blanco has a peculiar color palette and retro styling. He has been called upon by clients ranging from Nickelodeon to even Mac User magazine. The UK-born illustrator developed his bold aesthetic in Buenos Aires and has built an incredible portfolio of children’s books with a fresh, vibrant vibe.

Tavis Coburn

Tavis Coburn travels as an artist that goes between two worlds. He creates nostalgic and sentimental images that appear to be drawn with ink and silkscreens. Travis also creates modern 3-D renderings that seem to have been plucked from a video game universe. He puts a lot of effort into his artworks, and all of them are of exceptional quality.

Shag

Another notable and famous style circling the world is Shag. His talent ranges from painting to designing and illustrating. His inspiration is mainly from commercial illustrations. Especially commercial illustrations from the past five decades. His work is imbued with an attitude. He also has a sly sense of humor incorporated in them. Just like many vintage illustrators, he has had many solo exhibitions throughout the world. He has had them in the United States, Japan, Europe, South America, and Australia.

Matthew Laznicka

You can see that Matthew Laznicks is a big fan of old classic illustration. The 40s and 70s mostly inspire him. He is a Wisconsin artist that adds a contemporary twist to his works. B-movies and pulp poster art also influence him. He has a whole website dedicated to his vintage illustrations.

Eduardo Recife

Eduardo Recife – artist, illustrator, and typographer. He comes from Brazil and is famous for his collages. He combines vintage images, textures, details, and symbols. He is still young but has over 15 years of experience. His dedication is unmeasurable. He is also known for his 35 typefaces. This is also his freeware. Apart from illustrations, he also draws and does typography.

Edward McGowan

Edward is an illustrator that is characterized by a handcrafted aesthetic. They come in rough textures and bright colors. His style is flat and vintage-inspired. It often evokes a paired back look of screen printing. His clients come from all over the world, especially from new york. his homeland- Edinburgh also inspires his illustrations.

Vince Ray

Apart from his illustrations, Vince is also known as a popular on the art scene. His work is in significant need of the music industry. He creates different guitar designs. He even has a line for guitar strings. He is passionate about and takes inspiration from the vintage car and motorcycle designs. Mainly designs that arise from the 1950s. He invented a whole fashionable history of original compositions. He makes designs in retro printed fashions. You can say that his style falls in the category in lowbrow art. His work is implemented in tattoo designs, various graphics, and comics.

Keith Tatum

Keith Tatum is also an illustrator whose designs go unnoticeable. These designs are a hybrid of vintage, old-school calligraphy, and design. His designs are fitting for every sort of craft. They allow a virtual voyage back in time. His love is shown all over his designs. You can view his designs freely on Instagram and ever order one.

Anne Taintor

American illustrator Anne Taintor exercises on problems like national stereotypes- all viewed through mid-century publications. Her photomontages fuse vintage concepts with an alternative version of what the figures might be thinking. Her controversial artwork has gained her a large fan base. People simply love vintage illustrators that show political, economic, and social issues throughout their work. It reflects the character and personality of the artist. You can check out her illustrations on her website or her social media.

FAQ about vintage illustrators

Who are some famous vintage illustrators?

Oh, there are plenty of talented vintage illustrators that I love. Some of the most iconic names include Norman Rockwell, known for his heartwarming depictions of American life, Aubrey Beardsley, whose intricate and stylized drawings still captivate audiences today, and Alphonse Mucha, whose beautiful Art Nouveau illustrations are simply unforgettable. There’s also Beatrix Potter, E.H. Shepard, and Charles Dana Gibson… and that’s just scratching the surface!

What tools did vintage illustrators use?

Back in the day, illustrators used a variety of tools to create their beautiful artwork. They’d often rely on ink and pens, pencils, charcoal, and watercolors. Some preferred using gouache, pastels, or even oils. For transferring their designs onto paper, they’d use techniques like lithography, etching, and engraving. It’s fascinating to think about how they created such amazing works without today’s digital technology!

How did vintage illustrators learn their craft?

Many vintage illustrators learned their craft through formal art education at schools, academies, or through apprenticeships with established artists. Some even studied under famous masters of their time. In addition to formal training, a lot of illustrators honed their skills by practicing constantly and experimenting with different mediums and styles. They’d often draw inspiration from their surroundings and the works of other artists to develop their unique approach.

What’s the difference between vintage illustration and modern illustration?

Well, the most obvious difference between vintage and modern illustrations is the tools and techniques used. Vintage illustrators worked with traditional, analog mediums, while many modern illustrators rely on digital tools like tablets and software. Another difference is the aesthetic – vintage illustrations often have a distinct charm and style that reflects the period they were created in. Though modern illustrators sometimes emulate vintage styles, they also have a unique, contemporary flair.

What were some popular themes in vintage illustration?

Vintage illustration is a treasure trove of fascinating themes and subject matter! Some popular themes include fairy tales, myths, and legends, as well as scenes from everyday life. Many illustrators also focused on political and social commentary, creating powerful pieces that addressed societal issues. And of course, there were plenty of commercial illustrations, such as ads, posters, and magazine covers, that showcased the fashions, trends, and innovations of their time.

Where can I find vintage illustrations?

Finding vintage illustrations can be a delightful adventure! Museums, libraries, and galleries often feature collections of vintage illustrations, and you can find many exhibitions or special events dedicated to this art form. Online, there are numerous websites, databases, and archives that offer a wealth of vintage illustrations. And let’s not forget about antique shops, flea markets, and bookstores – they’re perfect spots to hunt for hidden gems!

How can I identify the illustrator of a vintage piece?

Identifying the illustrator of a vintage piece can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Start by checking for a signature, initials, or a monogram on the artwork. You can also research the style, subject matter, and period of the piece to narrow down possible artists. Online databases, art history books, and asking experts or enthusiasts can provide valuable insights. Remember, though, that some works might remain anonymous – and that’s part of the mystery!

Can I use vintage illustrations for my own projects?

It depends on the copyright status of the illustration. Many vintage illustrations are now in the public domain, which means you can use them without permission or paying royalties. However, some works might still be under copyright, especially if the illustrator died less than 70 years ago. Always double-check the copyright status before using a vintage illustration in your projects. If you’re unsure, consider seeking legal advice or consulting a copyright expert to avoid potential issues.

How can I restore or preserve vintage illustrations?

Preserving and restoring vintage illustrations is an important task if you want to keep them in good condition for years to come. Firstly, make sure to handle them carefully and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, moisture, or extreme temperatures. You can also use acid-free materials like mats and backing boards when framing the artwork. For restoration, it’s best to consult a professional conservator, as they have the skills and knowledge to carefully bring damaged pieces back to life.

Why are vintage illustrations valuable and collectible?

Vintage illustrations have a unique charm and history that many art lovers find captivating. They offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the styles, trends, and social dynamics of their time. Additionally, vintage illustrations by famous artists can be quite rare and sought-after, making them valuable to collectors. The artwork’s condition, subject matter, and rarity all contribute to its overall value. As a result, collecting vintage illustrations can be a rewarding and enriching experience.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.

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