50 Examples Of Stellar Use Of Light, Shadow And Texture To Kick Start Your Inspiration
Many people find it difficult to get their minds back into work after a holiday season filled with love, food, and friends. May 2017 bring you a healthy and inspiring adventure. As for that kick-start inspiration, I hope this article will help get you back in the creative mindset. The above illustration has a style that I’m sure everyone will admire. The combination of colors used is simply marvelous — so simple, yet so complex.
Let’s begin!
Anglepoise #
This is just genius! So smart to work with the light and shadow. Just look at that pose, and the usage of beautiful contrasting colors.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/66f39498-bc45-4d7d-8113-f449f8204f14/anglepoise-700w-opt.jpg)
Snowy Cabin #
That smoke! A cozy winter getaway with great textures. The reflection on the water is so perfectly done, too.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/7cece5ec-21ad-4388-928a-6d820b4ac9f5/snowy-cabin-700w-opt.jpg)
Authentic Assets #
Inspiring editorial illustration about millennial housing. Jealous about the gorgeous texture layer.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/83be6bb8-f5e0-4d6a-a96e-ba2759a8508b/authentic-assets-700w-opt.jpg)
Figure Study #
Great style and colors. Admiring the wood surface and subtle textures.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/4e847e18-4679-4cf1-9dba-ca222028f41d/figure-study-700w-opt.jpg)
Faces - James Gilleard #
I’m admiring this piece of personal work from James Gilleard. Analyzing the complexity of how these faces are created is super inspiring to learn from.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/3fd8c61b-cd78-49f1-bb23-6cb247ead33d/faces-james-gilleard-700w-opt.jpg)
Honeymoon Petra Villas #
A view from an upscale hotel carved into the cliffs overlooking the Santorini Caldera. You sure would want to escape winter after seeing this.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/f9cf051d-a125-4673-982d-a39b2d7ae7f0/honeymoon-petra-villas-700w-opt.jpg)
Google Play | Script & Seal #
Drilled down to just the basics with lovely textures.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/8dcc33c7-456c-4fdc-810e-ac53ea414afd/google-play-script-seal-700w-opt.jpg)
Todd Terje - Preben #
A great example that there are no boundaries to how a face should look if you are an illustrator.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/10297857-e89d-4946-b354-20dcc6386c6b/todd-terje-preben-700w-opt.jpg)
Vanity Fair France #
Cover illustration for the Collection supplement of Vanity Fair France. The flow in Malika’s work is just so inspiring.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/7ae63659-8f9d-446d-8a47-bbb81b705a5a/vanity-fair-france-700w-opt.jpg)
Illustration By David Holt #
This is Beautiful! Great colors, very vivid and wonderful repetition of shapes.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/3dcbeaee-4fcd-4980-bd58-91296632e6d5/illustration-by-david-holt-700w-opt.jpg)
Saint-Martin-Vesubie #
Another breathtaking shot from my friends Jered and Ashley Gruber. It’s somewhere in the French Pyrenees’ and shot for Craft Sportswear.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/6aa9383a-cac0-44e6-9dbe-bbc366dd04c6/saint-martin-vesubie-700w-opt.jpg)
Kitchen #
Nice idea and beautiful usage of shapes to create a roaster. Thumbs up!
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/c3d61835-ebc6-4dea-8d20-77999fec6a6c/kitchen-700w-opt.jpg)
Maker & Match Candle Co. #
Love the way those matches connect and create the flame in the middle. I’m also a big fan of knights. Never had the opportunity to use them. Well, not yet!
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/a203aa80-0924-4ae8-b5a4-5bb1dff5f0ea/maker-match-candle-co-700w-opt.jpg)
IBM Latin America #
A piece from the iconic work Paul Rand has done for IBM.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/47ce4d2d-d7cb-47cb-82c5-bdeafab7fb6c/ibm-latin-america-700w-opt.jpg)
Desert Nights #
Some super beautiful gradients and wonderful line work. Available as a wallpaper, too.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/15b38083-64c7-4daf-819c-a55998b06e98/desert-nights-700w-opt.jpg)
Pool Without Water #
I’m loving the continuation of these series by Maria Svarbova. This time the central theme is a pool without water.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/1d5f6209-0a12-4a00-96fa-d5d3a9ee025c/pool-without-water-700w-opt.jpg)
Classic:specs #
I’ve always been a fan of custom lettering, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Just beautiful!
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/7a8acc9e-e9c9-473d-a752-8369a17e68e9/classic-specs-700w-opt.png)
Esteban Fallone #
Esteban Fallone is an award winning Architect based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The idea behind this visualization was to take a variety of his house projects and translate them into a different language.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/8693f721-26b0-4f0b-84fd-8420fef408e3/esteban-fallone-700w-opt.jpg)
Karamel #
Pretty sweet what can be accomplished with just a few colors. I like the simplicity and the monochromatic colorway.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/b6c9d7dd-f722-4526-84a8-6b1f49b48767/karamel-700w-opt.jpg)
Toyota Magazine - Future Tech Article #
The complexity of this illustration makes it a perfect fit for an article about future technology.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/9be3d939-b956-4da7-b634-07ee40e6199c/toyota-magazine-700w-opt.jpg)
The Guardian Review Books #
Cover for The Guardian Review books. Love the concept of a huge book pile in front of a giant moon. Nice contrast of the figure in front of the moon.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/5ad0e5a5-02f5-41eb-9ed5-006bdd481b25/the-guardian-review-books-700w-opt.jpg)
Sheffield Hallam University’s Events Calendar #
Since January still qualifies as being festive it seems only appropriate to add something that fits that spirit.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/1888f536-9402-405c-852a-06464b056b3e/festive-month-700w-opt.jpg)
Laurel Canyon #
In awe when I see how all the shadowing is done in this illustration of a house in Laurel Canyon.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/c97d9bd8-5688-4497-a8da-75c3009f33c9/laurel-canyon-700w-opt.jpg)
Treehouse #
A thing of beauty. I dig the green color palette, too.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/2ef29ed7-1020-41bd-bd69-febf1578b697/treehouse-700w-opt.jpg)
Skiing Magazine - Salomon Skis #
Enjoying the mood in this illustration. The sweater on the deer is such a nice detail that drives it all home.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/0c53b470-d537-41be-b8f1-98bb2edb612e/skiing-magazine-salomon-skis-700w-opt.jpg)
We All Love Stories #
So true! We all love stories, especially when it’s about something we are passionate about. Beautifully illustrated. Love the curvy lines and soft tones.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/444e488c-ef55-4d6c-8394-36fe55f7bcd0/we-all-love-stories-700w-opt.jpg)
Georges #
Part of a bigger illustration piece that you can see here. Strong texture work and I love how the figures are drawn.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/3b304b04-3e06-4f2e-ac63-c0fc54ec2127/georges-700w-opt.jpg)
28 Days Of Peace #
Beautiful new work from the queen of lettering. It’s for an ambitious project, illustrating a countdown for Advent in which each number is unique and related to a daily reflection or action leading up to Christmas Day.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/00fb96e5-9d42-47d6-ae18-20a9d0d231e2/28-days-of-peace-700w-opt.jpg)
Maligne Lake #
There are worst places to do a nap. Beautiful Canada, the Rockies.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/1ffc92bf-a10c-4b64-a3b4-659cbf7024da/maligne-lake-700w-opt.jpg)
Nomad Hill Brand Board #
This is looking really great. Loving the patterns.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/a3917b9f-dcdd-4310-ad86-96d2e92f6309/nomad-hill-brand-board-700w-opt.jpg)
The New Yorker - Double Solitude #
Detailed and an atmospheric mood that sometimes allude to something darker, that’s how I would describe the work of French illustrator Antoine Maillard.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/2b7de4fa-452b-44d1-a80d-8ad0915a6243/double-solitude-700w-opt.jpg)
Official Rogue One Magazine Cover #
The intricate details of the illustration are just amazing! Those are some mad skills. One can only dream.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/e52ca65a-99dd-4acd-8d71-92babd7a893c/rogue-one-by-dkng-700w-opt.jpg)
Jamie Oliver Magazine #
Admiring how certain elements are set to another perspective. Makes for an interesting collage.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/920af24c-8896-4585-87c4-54a488bc471f/jamie-oliver-magazine-700w-opt.jpg)
Patagonia Dreaming I #
Such beautiful light effect! Only one image out of a beautiful collection of Patagonia, Chile. The rest can be seen here.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/df527a1b-7e9b-48ee-aec4-4bbcaaaf4b7a/patagonia-dreaming-i-700w-opt.jpg)
Styletest #
A style that I truly love. Such wonderful colors, too.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/6aa300cd-b524-47f9-a67e-6458548f9982/styletest-700w-opt.jpg)
Amsterdam Skyline #
Awesome illustration, so many fine details if you look closer. Interesting combination of colors.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/a959c6eb-4933-4358-b8f2-41b2e6b18ff2/amsterdam-skyline-700w-opt.jpg)
Th World #
“Architecture’s great problem is the gap between the visionary and the grubby compromise of reality.” A very interesting combination of objects. Such perfect tones on the shapes to create the depth and shadow and light effect.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/04c8fae8-a2ad-48ba-9737-559b8f260421/th-world-700w-opt.jpg)
Russian Post #
Love how the lady looks casual chic. The floor pattern is also a eye catcher. Everything is just perfect in this one.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/4e3d7cce-9dff-43f6-b969-ea560d081d5b/russian-post-700w-opt.jpg)
A Guide To Being Human #
Rich colors and well executed linework. That fingerprint mark at the end finishes it off.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/b3952d23-7484-4f36-a919-6f2f992180b4/a-guide-to-being-human-700w-opt.jpg)
Techo Key Visual #
I like the flow that is going within this illustration.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/2a2d5b87-8a83-462f-ba96-bbac70c6d28a/techo-key-visual-700w-opt.jpg)
Queen #
This is quite lovely. Digging all the elements and admiring the style of her face.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/e275b7f0-2a5f-445a-8061-bcfca3520a58/queen-matt-700w-opt.jpg)
Drown In Her Madly #
Apparently I’m not the only person who mostly uses a mouse to draw. This one is completely created with mouse in Illustrator and Photoshop. Be sure to view the entire piece here. Beautiful job.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/9fe781a0-83fb-43d9-91f7-edd42cecf1cf/drown-in-her-madly-700w-opt.jpg)
Gerhard Richter #
Part of a series of illustrations of houses based on famous artist. Be sure to go look at the others.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/c5553a4d-fb24-4afd-9883-7355be38fdfe/gerhard-richter-700w-opt.jpg)
Sleeping Beauty #
Wonderful book cover for Sleeping Beauty, a mid-century fairy tale. Original pattern on the background, and who doesn’t love robots.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/3c6cbae3-f37a-49b1-a1d1-1f74cc4b6782/sleeping-beauty-700w-opt.jpg)
Artipelag #
Those colors and super pastel gradients are so beautiful! Taken in Artipelag, Värmdö, Sweden.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/2098e26d-22cd-4971-aaa5-4eddf38c52c5/artipelag-700w-opt.jpg)
Vintage Colnago #
Makes me want to illustrate a vintage bicycle, too. A real Italian vintage Colnago.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/9e2a1bf2-9847-43b9-9f61-c1bbe2064185/vintage-colnago-700w-opt.jpg)
Chen Design Associates #
Lovely letter-pressed poster in a special color palette.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/c005d677-15b4-43ab-884a-9e1363d88743/chen-design-associates-700w-opt.jpg)
Dario Flaccovio Editore #
The illustration looks so “simple”, but the longer you look at it, the deeper you get into the design.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/bb42f41f-b656-4eb0-b98c-d02b205aae95/dario-flaccovio-editore-700w-opt.jpg)
The World’s Best Street Food #
Illustrated cover for a Lonely Planet guide. The grunginess is inspiring and the colors work well with the hand lettering feel.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/3898f60d-180d-4685-ba76-c4b0daa3061a/the-worlds-best-street-food-700w-opt.jpg)
SOS Fire In The Sky #
No words needed.
![](https://archive.smashing.media/assets/344dbf88-fdf9-42bb-adb4-46f01eedd629/82b04761-3bb6-4487-9047-81857a77c033/sos-fire-in-the-sky-700w-opt.jpg)
Further Reading #
- Inspiring Illustrations With Plenty Of Bright Colors
- Colorful Inspiration For Gray Days
- How To Create A Water Lily In Illustrator
- Rediscovering The Joy Of Design
![Smashing Editorial](https://www.smashingmagazine.com/images/logo/logo--red.png)
— Comments 3
As always, incredible piece of inspiration!
Hi Veerle! > Design Inspiration (January 2017) Kindly tell us, what does this set of illustrations have to do with design?