Illustrations

Illustration style

Photography remains our first go to for imagery. Illustration is to be used only when photography is not available, and it must demonstrate/communicate content only.

There are two Monash University illustration styles (see below). They’re both contemporary, clean and stylised. The main difference is the level of detail.

Our illustrations are quite flat with a bold use of colour, allowing for easier download and adaptation to animation, and greater impact on social media.

The first style is simple flat line work that links to our icon style. There’s no need for shading, and our primary colour palette is always dominant. One or two secondary colours can be applied sparingly to highlight or add interest. This style can easily be applied to animation, icons and infographics. This style is preferred when communicating a simple, short message.
The second style is more detailed, contemporary and stylised. Illustrations are kept simple, but allow for more detail and storytelling. Backgrounds are toned back so the main focus in the foreground stands out. Both the secondary and primary colour palettes can be applied. Monash Blue should appear somewhere on all frames. This style would be applied when communicating more complex and in-depth messaging.

People/characters

We need to ensure our illustrations are reflective of who we are, by celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of our people. Please consider varying skin tones, hair colour, age (suitable to the audience) and clothing. Characters should be stylised and can appear without facial features to focus on the situation/environment rather than the emotion. However, if the communication would benefit by displaying emotion, simplistic features and facial expressions can be drawn, using minimal line work only. We steer away from "cutesy, big-eyed" characters that aren’t reflective of our audiences.

Illustration for animation

Both illustration styles can be applied to an animation. Animation speed and accompanying audio need to be considered when talking to your audience.

Any wording or CTAs that accompany the illustration are to appear in our font and the primary colour palette only. Ensure Monash website URLs start with monash.edu (not www.), and corners are squared off in CTA boxes as per our website. More information on animation can be found in our video guidelines.

Illustration as a hero visual

If illustration is required as a hero visual to represent a particular area of the University or an event, it must become part of an abstract/pattern/texture, etc. We don’t use single illustrations in web banners or header banners.

_{Illustration being embedded into an abstract event web banner.}

Illustration style for 3D maps/architecture

Maps and buildings can sometimes be represented using illustration. However, where possible it’s preferred to use photography, so our audiences receive a realistic view of our campuses and facilities.

Example of 3D Architecture illustration

Anatomical/medical Illustration

For anatomical/medical illustration/animation, please contact the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences marketing team.

Illustrations can be brand-checked at brand review if required, but if seeking approval, please ensure initial artwork roughs/concepts are submitted at an early stage, rather than submitting completed artwork that could be difficult and expensive to alter.

Brand book