Illustration guidelines

Date adopted: 
November 28, 2018
Last update: 
August 26, 2020

Illustrations are another central visual element of our brand. They can be used when original photography does not exist or cannot be used to help tell a specific story.

Illustrations can:

  • match the tone and mood of your product and be especially helpful in evoking a specific emotion or feeling;
  • give a less-formal feel to a designed product;
  • be generic rather than portraying specific people doing specific things;
  • be used to explain an idea or concept, whether abstract or realistic;
  • communicate text-based information, such as an infographic;
  • be eye-catching and engaging in a unique way;
  • be a cost-effective substitute when photography doesn’t exist; and
  • provide a great deal of creative scope as the creative boundaries are virtually limitless.

Deciding between a photo or illustration

Consider these questions if you’re having trouble deciding between a photo or an illustration.

  • How important is realism?
  • Would a realistic photographic treatment be more effective to communicate with your audience or are there benefits to using an illustrative style, such as a drawing, painting, or infographic?
  • Are there existing assets in the Government of Yukon’s photo library that you can use?
  • If pre-existing photography isn’t available, do you have money in your budget to hire a photographer?

If you’re still having trouble deciding, email visual.design@gov.yk.ca for assistance. Apply the same rules for illustration as for photography. Never use clip art-style imagery because it looks unprofessional and of low quality.

Textures

Do not use textures, watermarks, or overlays. When working with colour blocks, only solid colours should be used.

See an example of textures you should not use

Exception: you may use any of the supporting elements in the background.

See an example of a supporting element in the background