The graphic illustrations below demonstrate a broad range of styles and applications — from simple, logo-style illustrations to more developed branding graphics.
Graphic illustration is typically used to create strong visual impact or to communicate information quickly and clearly. Whether designed for emotional engagement or rapid understanding, the emphasis is on clarity, simplicity, and memorability.
Adobe Illustrator is the primary tool used for this type of work, enabling the creation of clean, scalable vector artwork that remains fully editable and adaptable across multiple platforms and formats.
Cover graphic
Graphic illustration created for a cover story focused on global staff within the solar industry.
The artwork uses flat colour and a limited palette to achieve a bold, contemporary “pop” aesthetic. A uniform layout structure ensures visual balance and a cohesive composition, allowing the subject matter to remain clear and impactful at cover scale.
Produced in Adobe Illustrator, the vector-based approach provides flexibility, scalability, and cost-effective adaptability across print and digital formats.
Karting team logo design. CJ Racing
Logo design created for a UK karting team.
The artwork was developed and finalised in Adobe Illustrator, allowing multiple design variations to be explored and refined during the concept stage. Working in vector format ensures the logo is fully scalable and adaptable.
The finished design can be exported in a range of file formats suitable for print, embroidery, signage, and digital use, maintaining clarity and consistency across all applications.
Dart Shark Character
Graphic illustration developed to promote a new branding venture.
The shark character was designed to strike a careful balance — playful without becoming humorous, and strong without appearing aggressive. This required controlled styling, simplified forms, and considered expression to achieve the right tone.
Working within a limited colour palette added further constraint, particularly as the graphic illustration needed to function effectively reversed out in both black and white. The final design maintains clarity, personality, and impact across multiple backgrounds.
Wheelie Bin Character
Cartoon character created to support the promotion of a local government initiative in Nottinghamshire.
The character was designed using bold black line work combined with solid colour fills to create a clear, approachable visual style. The strong outline ensures high visibility across print and digital materials, while the simplified forms and expressive features help establish an engaging, likeable personality.
The result is a versatile character capable of communicating key messages effectively and connecting with local residents.
Freelance illustrator character
Yes, it’s me Adrian Cartwright freelance illustrator, designed for an animation example to showcase animation skills, but also creative style for a proposed animation commission.
You can see the animation of this character in the animation section here.
Vegas style Christmas card
This illustration was an internal commission for Planet Illustration, created to showcase and promote a new stylistic direction within the studio’s service offering.
The visual approach draws inspiration from retro Las Vegas aesthetics, combining a bold, chunky 1950s-inspired theme with elements of low-poly illustration. Strong geometric forms, simplified structure, and controlled colour palettes were used to create a distinctive, characterful look that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
The piece serves as both a creative exploration and a demonstrator of the studio’s versatility in adapting style to suit branding and commercial objectives.
Medical graphics to promote 5G
Graphic illustrations commissioned to support the launch of a new 5G network for an internationally recognised brand.
The visuals were developed for use across marketing campaigns and investor presentations, requiring clarity, consistency, and strong visual impact. The illustration style was carefully aligned with the existing brand identity while also complementing a third-party graphic theme.
Working collaboratively with other designers, the final artwork achieved a cohesive and impactful visual language that maintained a subtle house style while supporting broader campaign objectives.
Graphic illustration Renewable energy
Colourful graphic illustration developed to promote renewable energy.
Inspired by traditional paper-cut artwork, the composition forms a layered montage of recognisable green energy elements.
Produced in Adobe Illustrator, the design utilises subtle drop-shadow effects while retaining the flexibility, scalability, and precision advantages of vector graphics.
TravelChair info graphics
Effective infographic illustration created to promote and clearly explain the benefits of a newly developed concept designed in the United Kingdom.
The visual was developed in response to increasing challenges experienced at major transport hubs worldwide, particularly for passengers with reduced mobility. The infographic communicates both the problem and the proposed solution in a clear, accessible format.
Through structured layout, simplified visual storytelling, and concise graphic elements, the illustration demonstrates how TravelChair can significantly improve the travel experience for passengers with mobility difficulties, while also supporting operational efficiency within busy transit environments.
Art Nouveau logo
Art Nouveau–inspired logo created for a UK microbrewery.
The design was influenced by the client’s appreciation of Art Nouveau aesthetics and the decorative style of Gustav Klimt. Flowing linework, ornamental detailing, and balanced composition were used to reflect the elegance and craftsmanship associated with the movement.
Initial concepts were developed through simple pencil sketches before being refined and finalised in Adobe Illustrator, allowing precise vector execution suitable for packaging, print, and digital applications.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Customer FAQ
illustrator FAQ
How much will it cost ?
It’s best to contact Adrian with a clear idea what you want, but if you’re not sure, that’s no problem. You can have an informal chat about what you want to do. This is normally the best method. Call Adrian 07803126079
When can I have it ?
Delivery is typically within 2 weeks. Although the delivery depends on many factors, like amount of work involved. The speed in which reference or answers to questions from the customer can also impact progress. In other cases, some commissions are completed in a matter of a few days. It all depends on the volume of work, and schedule. I suggest asking during the briefing.
What if I don't like it ?
In 33 years freelancing, I’ve never had a job go bad. But I do have a process in place to help protect the customer and myself. It’s a simple process. The illustration is produce over multiple steps, to avoid confusion or going off track. My customers like it, because it involves them, giving input. That way we avoid misunderstanding things, and if so, it’s corrected at that stage.
I always encourage my customers to honestly give feedback when the illustration is delivered to make sure they’re happy with it. And if there’s anything (it happens), then it’s rectified.
Read my reviews to see how commissions go. Reviews
Copyright, who owns it ?
Typically, the copyright belongs to the original artist, but the exclusive usage belongs to the commissioning customer. This is standard international copyright law. And means that nobody without consent from the original artist and commissioner can legally use part of or wholly the art in question. Copyright Law
What do you want illustrating ?
The best method to start with is a telephone conversation. This will cover many questions, and help guide the best options available. This will speed things up a lot, and answer any concerns you might have. Call Adrian 07803126079
Do you have a budget ?
Try to be realistic about commissioning a bespoke illustration from a professional illustrator.
I don’t overcharge my customers, because they’ll go somewhere else next time.
It’s good business to be honest and work together as a team to get the best results. Simples !
Collect all the information you have to help produce the illustration
So please collect reference suitable for the commission.
Are you available for questions & updates ?
During the illustration process, it’s important that there’s communication between the illustrator and one other, who’s the point of contact regarding the illustration commission. This is often the person who contacts the illustrator originally. But sometimes it’s a team of people.
In that case one person should be appointed the main contact. This will avoid conflicting feedback, and keep a clear channel for communication.