Crafted Illustrations for Publications
Using AI visuals to elevate
analytical content.
Through connections at Strategic Coach, I partnered with a client who wanted to bring more visual interest to their publications. Their content was highly analytical and text-heavy. They needed strong imagery to break up the density while maintaining a polished, professional feel. The challenge: the art style they envisioned was outside both my usual wheelhouse and their available budget.
Challenge
Add sophisticated, distinctive illustrations to data-heavy journals in a way that was cost-effective, visually cohesive, and capable of standing out in a market oversaturated with generic stock imagery.
Solution
Leverage generative AI to produce the desired art style, then refine it through my technical expertise; Correcting errors, enhancing details, and colorizing to align with brand standards.
Process
Initially, I explored custom illustrations in my natural style.
While the work was strong, the client felt the more “cartoon-like” aesthetic didn’t match their vision. They shared reference imagery that reflected a sophisticated, black-and-white, sketch-inspired look.
Replicating that style by hand would have required considerable time and cost, so I adapted by using generative AI to create a foundation of visuals.
From there, I carefully edited each piece in Photoshop, fixing algorithmic imperfections, applying color harmonization, and ensuring everything aligned with brand guidelines. For sections where AI fell short, I stepped in with hand-drawn elements, blending them seamlessly into the sketchy aesthetic. This hybrid approach allowed me to combine efficiency with traditional artistry.
Result
By integrating AI with traditional artistry, I significantly reduced production time and costs, enabling the creation of a large volume of illustrations within budget. The client was delighted with the outcome, praising how the visuals enhanced readability, reinforced the content’s impact, and differentiated their publications from others in the industry.