Top Illustrators to Follow in 2026

Illustration is having a moment. Then again, it kind of always is. From bold, experimental work that breaks the rules to detailed pieces you can get lost in, illustrators play a huge role in how we see and feel the world around us. Going into 2026, the talent pool feels deeper than ever, and trying to keep up can feel a bit like chasing something that never stands still.

So we did the chasing for you. We put together a list of 50 illustrators we genuinely love and keep an eye on. These are artists who are pushing their work forward, finding their own voice, and consistently sharing things that make us stop scrolling. Some are long-time pros, others are just getting started, but all of them are worth following if you care about great illustration.

1. Damian Orellana

Damian Orellana is one of Brooklyn, New York’s finest illustrators. With thick strokes, playful characters, and bright color palettes, his illustrations are instantly recognizable. In today’s crowded illustration world, that’s not an easy thing to pull off.

We teamed up with him on a 2025 calendar a while back, and it turned out exactly as fun as you’d expect. More recently, we also collaborated on a set of business cards, which felt like a great follow-up to our earlier projects.

Have a look at his work yourself and I guarantee you it’s impossible not to hit that ‘Follow’ button.

Instagram: instagram.com/bigbeardamian

2. Soña Lee

Soña Lee is a Seoul-born, Rotterdam-based illustrator whose work feels playful and thoughtful, with a really nice sense of balance. She works with bold shapes, soft textures, and carefully chosen color palettes, often turning everyday moments into scenes that feel a little magical without trying too hard.

Her compositions are clear and inviting, even when there’s a lot going on. The details are never overwhelming, and if you spend a bit more time with her work, you’ll usually notice small, story-like moments tucked into the scene.

Soña’s work moves easily between editorial illustration and brand projects. She’s collaborated with well-known names across tech, fashion, media, and culture, creating images that feel polished but still very human.

Whether she’s drawing busy city scenes, surreal spaces, or playful characters, there’s a quiet optimism running through her work that connects with people in different places. Shaped by her experience living and working internationally, Soña continues to build a body of work that feels approachable, confident, and timeless, making her a great illustrator to follow into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/sonalee_rgb

3. Adam Bosley

You’ve probably come across Adam’s Instagram account where he shares easy-to-follow tutorials on how he creates his characteristic illustrations. As he describes it himself on his Instagram bio: Healing the World One Smiley Face at a Time. And it works for me. Retro-inspired cartoons, soft color palettes, and beautiful quotes set in serif fonts. What’s not to like?

Instagram: instagram.com/adam_theillustrator

4. Pintachan

Pintachan Studio brings pure joy to the world of illustration. Based in the north of Spain, this studio is known for its retro, naïve, and whimsical style—think big eyes, bright colors, and plenty of smiles. Specializing in children’s literature, their work is playful, energetic, and bursting with charm, making it perfect for kids’ books, branding, and editorial projects.

With over a decade of experience and collaborations with brands like Apple, Samsung, and McDonald’s, their illustrations are as delightful as they are recognizable. If you love fun, feel-good artwork, Pintachan Studio is a must-follow.

Instagram: instagram.com/pintachan

5. Dmitrii Kharchenko

Dmitrii Kharchenko is a Montréal-based designer and illustrator working across UI, visual design, and brand systems, with a strong focus on fintech and digital products. His work is bold, graphic, and highly structured, but never stiff. There’s always movement and play built into it, even when the subject matter is complex or technical.

A lot of Dmitrii’s illustrations live in product environments. Apps, dashboards, onboarding flows, and marketing pages. What makes them stand out is how clearly they communicate ideas like money, security, or data without feeling generic or corporate. He uses sharp shapes, limited color palettes, and confident contrasts to make abstract concepts feel tangible and easy to read.

There’s a strong system-thinking mindset behind his visuals. You can tell these illustrations are built to scale across screens and use cases, not just exist as one-off hero images. At the same time, they still feel expressive and human, with small details and visual jokes that reward a closer look.

If you’re interested in where product illustration is headed, especially in tech and finance, Dmitrii Kharchenko is someone worth following closely in 2026. His work shows how illustration can be both functional and full of personality without trying too hard.

Instagram: instagram.com/dmitdesign

6. Hedof

Rick Berkelmans, the creative force behind Hedof, brings a world of vibrant chaos to life through bold shapes, playful characters, and candy-colored landscapes. Based in the Netherlands, his work is a perfect mix of graphic precision and free-flowing fun, making it instantly recognizable.

From murals to product design, he’s collaborated with brands like Nike, The New York Times, and Ikea, always injecting his signature upbeat energy. A while ago, we did a sticker sheet together and this turned out awesome. His illustrations feel like a celebration of color and creativity, making him a must-follow for anyone who loves joyful, character-driven design.

Instagram: instagram.com/hedof

7. Anthony Orozco

Anthony Orozco, the talent behind Antonay Studio, creates bold, energetic illustrations that fuse pop culture with dynamic storytelling. His work is a mix of vibrant colors, strong compositions, and a modern edge, making it perfect for brands looking to make an impact.

With clients like the NBA, Gatorade, and Netflix, his style feels fresh, confident, and effortlessly cool. Whether it’s for advertising, editorial, or branding, his illustrations command attention. If you’re into striking, culturally tuned-in artwork, Antonay Studio is one to follow.

Instagram: instagram.com/_antonay

8. Tad Carpenter

Tad Carpenter is the creative mind behind Tad Carpenter Creative, a studio focused on bringing impactful messages to life through branding, packaging, and illustration. Known for his bold, vector-based designs created primarily in Adobe Illustrator, his work has been featured in campaigns for major brands like Macy’s, Target, MTV, and Adobe, often in large-scale print projects.

Alongside his design work, Tad has been sharing his knowledge as a professor at the University of Kansas since 2009. A multi-talented creative, Tad also makes waves in the world of children’s literature, continuing to expand his influence across various design fields.

Instagram: instagram.com/tadcarpenter

9. Luke McConkey

Luke McConkey is an illustrator from Liverpool, UK. His work focuses on bright colors, bold lines, and fun characters. His work draws inspiration from games, music, cartoons, food, and just about anything around him that has an influence on him.

Over the years he has worked on several editorial work, design projects, branding, and logo design projects as well as album artwork, murals, and social content. Backed by illustration agency Handsome Frank, he collaborates with some of the biggest clients out there on different types of projects and we’re always thrilled to see new work from his being released.

Instagram: instagram.com/lukemcconkey

10. Nico189

Nicola Laurora, better known as Nico189, is a freelance illustrator from Milan, Italy. His minimalist style, shaped by his background as a graffiti artist, features clean lines and geometric forms that have become his signature. Nicola’s illustrations are often seen in magazines and used by international brands, where his unique character designs and geometric foundations make his work instantly recognizable.

Over the years, he has collaborated with high-profile clients like Adidas, Apple, Ikea, and Samsung, showcasing his distinctive approach to illustration across a range of industries. Nicola’s style continues to resonate globally, earning him a loyal following of brands and art lovers alike.

Instagram: instagram.com/_nico189

11. Olga Semklo

Olga Semklo is known and loved for her positive and bright illustrations. In a time where brands are utilizing the power of illustration more and more, Olga’s work fits perfectly for projects that need a bit of positivity and human touch. I’m a huge fan of her work and chances are you’ll be as well after checking her portfolio.

Instagram: instagram.com/semklo.design

12. Spencer Gabor

Spencer Gabor, a Brooklyn-based illustrator and designer and one of the top illustrators, initially pursued a finance major in school. However, driven by his lifelong passion for drawing, he dedicated his nights and weekends to this creative endeavor. His journey led him to the realm of freelance art and illustration, where he specializes in crafting distinctive characters.

His work is characterized by bold, simple characters with uniquely quirky bodies and straightforward faces. Spencer has had the privilege of creating illustrations for renowned brands such as NPR, Lululemon, Jagermeister, and Harvard Business. Beyond digital art, his creations come to life on the walls of New York City through hand-painted murals.

Instagram: instagram.com/spencergab

13. Giacomo Bagnara

Based in Verona, Italy, Giacomo Bagnara is a celebrated illustrator and artist, earning recognition from American Illustration and the Society of Illustrators of NY. With a keen eye for observation, Giacomo delves into different perspectives of everyday life, challenging his perceptions.

His vibrant, bold, and lively style radiates playful energy, contributing to a diverse body of work. From editorial illustrations and cover images to expansive advertising and rebranding campaigns, Giacomo’s portfolio showcases his versatile talent. His clientele includes prominent names like Adobe, Amazon, Apple, BBC, Bloomberg Businessweek, Esquire, Facebook, Google, and HP.

Instagram: instagram.com/giacomobagnara_

14. Philip Lindeman

The Utrecht-based Philip Lindeman invites viewers into fantastical realms where the ordinary and extraordinary collide beautifully. His work thrives on contrasts. Tragedy meets comedy, mysticism brushes against everyday life, and outlandish characters mingle with familiar faces.

His signature style features bold black outlines and vibrant color palettes reminiscent of ’60s and ’70s illustration icons like Milton Glaser and John Alcorn. Each meticulously detailed scene is a treasure hunt of superheroes, misfits, and nostalgic references that reward close inspection.

His impressive client roster includes The New Yorker, The New York Times, Die Zeit, and T-Mobile. If you’re looking to inject some imaginative storytelling into your visual diet, Lindeman’s feed is absolutely worth following.

Instagram: instagram.com/philip_lindeman

15. Lucila Perini

Lucila Perini is a talented illustrator based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her work beautifully blends community, femininity, fashion, diversity, and nature using soft, organic shapes and fresh color palettes.

With a keen eye for detail and a belief that art can drive social change, Lucila’s illustrations are both thought-provoking and visually fascinating. Her entirely digital style brings her striking creations to life, resonating with international clients such as Airbnb, Los Angeles Times, and Penguin Random House. If you’re looking for fresh, bold artwork with a message, give Lucila a follow.

Instagram: instagram.com/lucilaperinistudio

16. Simon Bailly

Simon Bailly is a French illustrator who mainly works on editorial projects for several newspapers. Being a commercial illustrator for a specific type of client makes it possible for Simon to really lean into his own unique style of illustration and storytelling.

Next to newspapers, Simon also works for several events, some children’s books, and even has time to do some exhibitions in different galleries in between. The New Yorker, Hermès, and the Los Angeles Times are some of his recent collaborations.

Instagram: instagram.com/simonbailly

17. Caroline Dowsett

Caroline Dowsett is a dynamic illustrator from Manchester whose vibrant, shape-based work radiates energy and optimism. Inspired by the day-to-day, her art captures feelings, sounds, and words, transforming them into bold, colorful compositions.

Caroline’s playful use of color and movement serves as a reminder to embrace the beauty in the ordinary. With each piece, she brings a burst of life to her surroundings, quite literally painting her city in every shade of the rainbow. If you’re looking for artwork that lifts your spirits and sparks joy, you’re in for a treat with Caroline’s work!

Instagram: instagram.com/caroline_dowsett

18. Kim Salt

Kim Salt is a Brooklyn-based illustrator known for her vibrant, dynamic style full of color and curves. Originally a graphic designer, Kim shifted to editorial illustration and caught the eye of Facebook, where she worked in-house for two years.

Now back in New York as a full-time freelancer, her work celebrates the beauty of everyday life and the rhythms of nature. If you’re into bold, playful designs that make you look twice, Kim’s work is definitely worth a follow.

Instagram: instagram.com/kesalt

19. Tobias Hall

Tobias Hall is a rare talent who blends traditional lettering with vibrant illustration, creating work that feels both timeless and modern. His unique style combines the craftsmanship of woodcut illustration with contemporary subjects and bold color palettes.

Tobias’ expert knowledge of type pairs seamlessly with his illustrative elements, resulting in striking ad campaigns, book covers, and brand identities. With notable clients like Netflix, the Rolling Stones, and TIME magazine, Tobias is a must-follow for anyone who appreciates the mix of typography and illustration in one powerful package.

Instagram: instagram.com/tobiashall

20. Eynon Jones

Eynon Jones is a UK-based illustrator who turned to art during the lockdown to stay positive, and now his work aims to spread that same positivity in challenging times. His playful, quirky illustrations have earned him clients like Coca-Cola, Adobe, The Guardian, and Häagen-Dazs.

Eynon’s work is showcased in galleries such as They Made This and Turner Contemporary, and it often carries a message of belief in people. Especially the underdogs. His vibrant, optimistic pieces reflect a sense of hope, making his work both heartwarming and impactful.

Instagram: instagram.com/eynonjones

21. Joshua Noom

Joshua Noom is a Florida-based illustrator and designer whose work has captivated audiences for years, especially through his social media presence. Represented by Closer & Closer, Joshua’s illustrations are known for their meticulous attention to detail and striking compositions, making each piece something you can’t help but study.

His creative approach blends artistry and precision, resulting in visually stunning work that consistently stands out. Throughout his career, Joshua has collaborated with high-profile clients including Old Spice, Miller High Life, Disney, Adobe, and Warner Music Group. Whether creating for brands like Sonic Drive-Thru or Burton Snowboarding, his work is always vibrant and engaging, leaving a lasting impression.

Instagram: instagram.com/joshuanoom

22. Leandro Assis

Leandro Assis, an award-winning lettering artist and art director, calls Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, his creative home. His work is a bold, colorful masterpiece, featuring playful illustrations and unique lettering.

Leandro has lent his artistic touch to an array of clients, from Apple and Disney to Netflix, Nike, and Spotify. What sets him apart is his commitment to design as a means of championing causes close to his heart, such as Black culture, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights. Leandro’s super-bold lettering, vibrant palettes, and whimsical illustrations have captured the attention of global brands and agencies, making their mark on digital projects and marketing campaigns across various landscapes.

Instagram: instagram.com/lebassis

23. Timba Smits

Another friend of Jukebox: Timba Smits, the inquisitive, multi-talented graphic artist hailing from sunny Australia and now calling not-so-sunny London home. His artistic style seamlessly traverses the realms of analog and digital mediums.

Timba’s work is a delightful blend of nostalgia and childhood memories, skillfully interweaving illustration, typography, humor, and pop-cultural references. The result? An impressive portfolio of top-tier illustrative work that never ceases to captivate. Timba’s artistic prowess has caught the attention of notable clients, including the likes of Canon, Apple, Wired, Popular Science, ESPN, Coors/Miller Lite, Playboy, Laurence King, and Faber.

Instagram: instagram.com/timbasmits

24. Karan Singh

Karan Singh is an Australian artist and illustrator with a unique blend of skills, having studied Interaction Design at the University of Sydney and Malmö University in Sweden. This mix of technology and art inspired his distinctive approach to visual design, where op-art meets mid-century graphic design in a fresh, playful style.

His work explores the relationship between color, pattern, and perception, often using a limited yet striking color palette to create depth and movement. Having lived and worked in cities like Tokyo, New York, Sydney, and Amsterdam, Karan has collaborated with high-profile brands like Louis Vuitton, NASA, and Apple, constantly pushing the boundaries of art and design.

Instagram: instagram.com/madebykaran

25. Craig & Karl

Craig & Karl are a dynamic duo who create bold, colorful, and often humorous work. Though they live in different parts of the world (New York and London) they collaborate daily across various mediums, from illustration to installations.

Their work has been exhibited globally, with notable shows at the Musée de la Publicité in Paris and the Museum for Contemporary Art in Mexico. With clients like Nike, Apple, and Vogue, their projects are always vibrant and full of personality, making them stand out in the world of contemporary art and design.

Instagram: instagram.com/craigandkarl

26. Rob & Robin

Rob en Robin, a dynamic creative studio hailing from Breda, the Netherlands, is the constant collaboration of two exceptional artists, Rob van den Belt and Robin van Gurp. This inseparable duo ventured into their artistic journey after a daring collaborative graduation project in art school, defying convention and the skeptics. Their shared origins in a village near Breda and their art school connection cemented their partnership.

Recently, they published their illustration work for the updated PostNL identity, led by the creative powerhouse Studio Dumbar.

From humble beginnings stocking shelves at a local supermarket, Rob and Robin’s unconventional path led them to establish their studio. Unfettered by the constraints of traditional graphic design culture, they embarked on a diverse array of projects, including city guides, skate parks, record covers, and hip-hop dance classes. Their creative process resembles a spirited game of table tennis, marked by a non-hierarchical exchange of ideas. In the world of design, Rob en Robin bring smiles, diversity, and a fresh perspective to the table.

Instagram: instagram.com/robenrobin.nl

27. Mason London

Meet Joe Prytherch, also known as Mason London, an accomplished illustrator with an impressive roster of clients spanning the musical spectrum. In recent years, he’s created album artwork for artists like Jack Steadman of Bombay Bicycle Club, now known as Mr Jukes, crafted idents for MTV, and produced animated music videos for emerging electronic act Franc Moody, often collaborating with Crackstevens.

Joe’s passion for drawing began in his childhood and evolved as he delved into programs like Photoshop and Flash when he got his first computer in his teenage years. Today, Mason London is a London-based illustrator and animator. He made his mark by creating artwork for the iconic LA label Stones Throw Records, then served as Art Director at Boiler Room before establishing his successful freelance practice. His portfolio brims with hypnotic looping animations, intricately detailed record covers, and captivating illustrations.

Instagram: instagram.com/masonlondon

28. Pieter Ceizer

Pieter Ceizer, a Dutch typographical artist, designer and absolutely one of our top illustrators, currently calls Paris home. His artistic repertoire is steeped in typography and type-based creations, featuring clean retro-style script designs, hand lettering, and vibrant abstract compositions infused with typographic shapes.

Ceizer’s choice of words and phrases is empowering, humoristic, and poetic, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of written language. During his study of typography, he began deconstructing letters to craft colorful abstract pieces that evoke a dreamlike state, blurring the boundaries between words and images.

His artworks, from paintings to wooden pieces, strike a harmonious balance between color and form, creating a playful and uplifting dynamic. For Ceizer, written words hold immense potential. They possess the ability to convey thoughts and emotions, serving as a bridge between abstract ideas and their interpretation by readers. Pieter Ceizer’s work is a testament to the transformative magic of words and art.

Instagram: instagram.com/ceizer

29. Christoph Niemann

Christoph Niemann, born in Waiblingen, Germany, is a versatile artist, author, and animator, recognized as one of the most famous illustrators of the 21st century. Having studied Graphic Design at the State Academy of Fine Art in Stuttgart from 1991 to 1997 under Heinz Edelmann, he received the Talent Of The Year Award from the Art Directors Club of Germany.

Niemann’s whimsical and humorous illustrations grace the covers of renowned publications such as The New Yorker, National Geographic, and The New York Times Magazine, establishing him among the best illustrators of all time. As a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale and an inductee into the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame in 2010, Niemann’s creative prowess extends to animations, augmented reality covers, and the celebrated “Abstract Sunday” column in The New York Times Magazine.

His popularity soared further with appearances in Netflix’s series “Abstract,” cementing his status as a prominent figure in the art world.

Instagram: instagram.com/abstractsunday

30. Roberlan Borges Paresqui

Roberlan Borges Paresqui creates art that feels like stepping into a neon dream. Based in the sunny city of Vitória, he runs This is Blasé, a design and art studio specializing in psychedelic and pop art. His work blends bold typography, vivid gradients, and retro influences into striking, high-energy visuals.

From album covers to branding, his designs are packed with vibrant colors and a nostalgic yet futuristic feel. Music fuels his creativity, and you can sense its rhythm in his dynamic compositions. If you love electrifying, eye-popping design, Roberlan is an illustrator you need to follow.

Instagram: instagram.com/thisisblase

31. Esther de Korte

Esther de Korte, also known as Vonik Design, is a Netherlands-based illustrator whose work is full of warmth, humor, and a clear love for print. Her illustrations stand out through bright but limited color palettes, playful linework, and textures that feel inspired by traditional printmaking. There’s a hands-on quality to her work that makes it feel timeless rather than trendy.

Her style works just as well across patterns, murals, packaging, and festival visuals. No matter the format, her illustrations feel bold but friendly, with a strong graphic clarity and plenty of personality. Esther often draws inspiration from nature, food, people, and small everyday moments, all captured with a light, slightly nostalgic feel. She moves easily between large-scale murals and more detailed print work, always keeping a strong sense of rhythm and composition.

Outside the studio, her curiosity carries into the natural world. She volunteers at the Dutch Natural History Museum and spends time exploring landscapes by campervan. That mix of observation, craft, and joy shows up clearly in her work, making Vonik Design a standout and an illustrator well worth following into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/vonikdesign

32. Jacco Bunt

Jacco Bunt is a Dutch visual artist based in Berlin whose work sits at the intersection of structure, color, and storytelling. After studying illustration at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam, he developed a way of working that strips reality down to its essentials. His compositions are carefully built, using strong color and clear forms to pull you through each image.

His work is shaped by Dutch design traditions and often plays with familiar subjects, like architecture or classic still life. By reworking these everyday forms, Jacco turns ordinary surroundings into scenes that feel both grounded and imaginative. He treats every project as a chance to push his visual language a little further, refining and rethinking his approach along the way. That mix of discipline and curiosity has led to collaborations with clients like Hermès and The New York Times, and makes Jacco Bunt an artist well worth following as his work continues to evolve into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/jaccobunt

33. Naomi Wilkinson

Naomi Wilkinson is a Bristol-based illustrator whose work is vibrant, generous, and full of everyday charm. Her illustrations are defined by bold color choices, playful pattern, and a strong sense of warmth, often drawing from food, interiors, celebrations, and small domestic rituals. There is a welcoming quality to her compositions, where carefully arranged details and cheerful characters invite viewers to slow down and explore each scene.

Working across editorial, publishing, and commercial projects, Naomi has collaborated with a wide range of international clients including The New York Times, Airbnb, Etsy, and Random House. Alongside client work, she is also an accomplished author and illustrator, with her book One Hundred Things to Spot, published by Wide Eyed Editions, offering the same sense of curiosity and joy found throughout her portfolio. With a practice that balances illustration, pattern, and storytelling, Naomi Wilkinson continues to create work that feels both comforting and celebratory as she moves into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/naomipwilkinson

34. Rop van Mierlo

Amsterdam-based designer and illustrator Rop van Mierlo, a graduate of the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2008, is renowned for his playful and unconventional creations. His artistic repertoire spans diverse forms, from paintings to mohair wall hangings, hand-tufted wool rugs, and mesmerizing animations, often commencing with drawing or painting.

Central to Rop’s work is the element of control, or rather its absence. While animals often serve as his muses, his art is less about the creatures themselves and more about embracing a free-spirited creative process. His distinctive technique, wet-on-wet painting, utilizes liquid watercolor on damp paper, resulting in unpredictable, captivating visuals. His work is collected and made available through his brand “Wild Animals”.

Rop’s illustrations have graced the projects of renowned brands like Moncler, Marni, Hermès, and Harvey Nichols, joining the world of talented fashion illustrators. His books are featured in galleries and museums worldwide, including MoMA in New York, Design Museum in London, and Colette in Paris. Notably, he initiated a political poster campaign championing animal rights and sustainability.

Instagram: instagram.com/ropvanmierlo

35. Pedro Oyarbide

Pedro Oyarbide, a Spanish illustrator currently based in Bristol, UK, seamlessly blends a distinctive hand-drawn style with vibrant influences from tattoo, comics, skateboard, and motorcycle cultures. With an impressive portfolio including collaborations with renowned brands like Hurley, Globe, Nike, and Triumph Motorcycles, Pedro has transitioned from working with various UK agencies to focusing on his flourishing freelance career as one of the top illustrators.

His illustrations showcase a unique fusion of recognizable hand-drawn aesthetics, woodcut prints, ornamental art, and a rich tapestry of pop culture references, comic books, skateboard graphics, and tattoos. Pedro’s artistic repertoire spans diverse commercial and artistic projects, with recent specialization in intricate book covers, captivating playing card designs, and ornately crafted visuals.

Instagram: instagram.com/pedroyarbide

36. Julie Solvstrom

Julie Solvstrom, originally from Denmark, is a talented lettering artist, illustrator, and designer now based in Vancouver.

Her passion for typography takes center stage in her captivating lettering creations, infused with vibrant colors and intricate illustrations. Julie’s artistic style reflects a playful and colorful spirit, influenced by her deep appreciation for the natural world, poetry, and human connections. She manages to combine a quote with a flower illustration in such a wonderful way that it just looks impressively good.

Leveraging Procreate and her iPad, Julie’s work showcases remarkable textures and details. Ideal for apparel, postcards, and printed materials, her compositions strike a perfect balance, exuding a well-crafted aesthetic.

Instagram: instagram.com/juliesolvstrom

37. Hitoshi Morita

Hitoshi Morita is a Tokyo-based Director and Motion Designer whose work sits at the intersection of abstraction, structure, and feeling. As the founder of MULTRA, he creates immersive visual narratives built from fluid forms, layered textures, and bold color relationships. His visuals often feel sculptural, as if they exist somewhere between physical objects and imagined spaces, constantly shifting through motion.

Working primarily with Cinema 4D and After Effects, Hitoshi approaches motion design as a way to explore rhythm and emotion rather than pure spectacle. His abstract compositions are carefully constructed, balancing experimentation with restraint, and inviting viewers to experience motion as a spatial and sensory language. Through MULTRA, Hitoshi Morita continues to push motion design into more expressive territory, crafting work that feels intentional, exploratory, and deeply atmospheric as he moves into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/mojapoly

38. Asahi Nagata

Asahi Nagata, born in Sapporo, Japan, currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a freelance illustrator with a passion for crafting exquisite designs that capture the essence of traditional printmaking techniques, such as risograph, screen printing, and linocut.

Drawing inspiration from the captivating world of vintage risographs, screen printing, and linocuts, Asahi brings an authentic retro effect, print-like texture, and a vibrant vintage color palette to her digital creations. Her brand, ILLO IRRO, combines “iro-iro,” meaning “variety” in Japanese, with “illo,” a short form for “illustration” in English.

Outside of her creative endeavors, Asahi enjoys spending time with her nearly two-year-old daughter, Ichiko, in the park. As a lifelong artist, drawing has been a cherished hobby since her early years. With a growing list of clients ranging from Google and Apple to Lucy and Yak and the Star Tribune, Asahi is making a significant impact in the world of illustration.

Instagram: instagram.com/asahinagata

39. Ryan Dean Sprague

Ryan Dean Sprague, also known as Pavlov Visuals, is an accomplished American Graphic Designer and Illustrator residing in Dallas, Texas. Rooted in a passion for creativity and a strong dedication to clients, Pavlov Visuals has played a pivotal role in helping numerous brands discover their unique identities.

Pavlov’s artistic journey commenced with a musical backdrop. As a member of various bands, he quickly grasped the importance of impactful branding and artwork to convey a band’s message. This early experience paved the way for crafting identities for fellow artists and creating illustrations for global brands.

Through this creative odyssey, Pavlov has come to understand that crafting music is not so different from curating icons, logos, packaging designs, and illustrations. At its core, both forms of artistic expression share the goal of channeling creative energy to paint vivid landscapes, offer fresh perspectives, and invite audiences to partake in a meaningful experience.

Instagram: instagram.com/pavlovvisuals

40. Jordan Cheung

Jordan Cheung is an illustrator and art director based in Brooklyn, New York, known for a bold visual language that sits somewhere between graphic design, illustration, and modern iconography. His work is instantly recognizable through its confident use of color, sharp shapes, and a playful balance between precision and character.

Across portraits, icons, and expressive graphic systems, Cheung builds worlds that feel contemporary and intentional without losing warmth. His objects feel tactile and considered, and even the simplest symbols carry personality. There is a strong sense of rhythm in his work, with influences that nod to digital culture, interface design, and visual storytelling rather than traditional illustration alone.

That clarity and versatility have made Cheung a trusted collaborator for some of the most influential brands in tech and media, including Apple, Google, Meta, Netflix, Figma, and The Atlantic. Whether working on large-scale brand systems or standalone illustrations, his work consistently feels current while avoiding trends that age quickly. In a visual landscape that often favors noise, Jordan Cheung’s work stands out for its focus, restraint, and unmistakable voice.

Instagram: instagram.com/jordon.cheung

41. Tyler Pate

Tyler Pate is a Los Angeles based art director, graphic designer, and illustrator whose work is bold, playful, and packed with personality. His visuals are loud in the best way, using strong characters, bright color, and chunky forms to grab your attention fast, while still feeling carefully thought through.

A lot of his work sits at the intersection of illustration and branding. From packaging and stickers to campaign visuals and consumer products, Tyler has a clear talent for turning simple ideas into memorable designs. There’s a tactile quality to his work that makes it feel physical and approachable, even when it lives on a screen or shelf.

Alongside client work for major brands and entertainment franchises, Tyler runs The Creative Pain, a personal project that reflects on the realities of creative work. That mix of experience, honesty, and pure visual fun makes Tyler Pate a great follow as we head into 2026, especially if you care about illustration that’s expressive, useful, and unapologetically human.

Instagram: instagram.com/thecreativepain

42. Alexandra Zutto

Alexandra Zutto is a Brooklyn based illustrator and designer whose work feels like stepping into a soft, imaginative world. Her illustrations are colorful, playful, and full of small moments that invite you to slow down and explore. There’s a gentle warmth to her scenes, even when they drift into more surreal or dreamlike territory.

Working mainly in Adobe Illustrator, Zutto builds rich environments with smooth shapes, glowing color palettes, and a strong sense of atmosphere. Her pieces often feel like quiet stories frozen in time, where characters, nature, and architecture blend together naturally. The work is polished, but it never feels rigid. There’s a sense of curiosity and openness that runs through everything she makes.

Beyond the finished illustrations, Alexandra is also generous with her process, often sharing works in progress that give insight into how her scenes come together. That transparency, combined with a distinctive visual voice, makes her especially inspiring to follow. If you’re drawn to illustration that’s expressive, calming, and full of imagination, Alexandra Zutto is a name to keep on your radar in 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/zuttoworld

43. Kemal Sanli

Kemal Sanli is an Istanbul based illustrator and designer known for work that feels calm, thoughtful, and quietly confident. His illustrations often use simple shapes and bold color, but they’re never loud. There’s a strong sense of rhythm and balance in everything he makes, drawing you in without demanding attention.

A lot of Kemal’s work focuses on everyday subjects like houses, plants, interiors, and small moments of daily life. Through careful composition and subtle humor, these familiar elements turn into images that feel reflective and warm. His style is graphic and clear, but always human, with enough softness to keep it approachable.

He works across editorial, branding, and advertising, and has collaborated with clients such as Apple, The New York Times, Google, Adobe, IKEA, and Fast Company. Even at that scale, his work keeps a very personal voice, always grounded in clarity, wit, and warmth. If you’re drawn to illustration that feels thoughtful, modern, and timeless, Kemal Sanli is well worth following into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/kemsanli

44. Irene Neyman

Irene Neyman is a Calgary based senior illustrator and graphic designer whose work is bright, clear, and full of personality. Her illustrations use bold color and simple shapes, balanced with just enough texture and detail to feel warm and human. Everything is designed to help brands stand out without feeling forced or overdesigned.

A lot of Irene’s work lives in commercial and brand spaces, from marketing imagery to illustrations built for motion and digital products. She has a strong sense for how illustration needs to function in real-world systems, while still giving brands a visual voice that feels unique and recognizable. The work is approachable, confident, and easy to connect with.

Alongside client projects, Irene is the founder and creative director of Deeply, an independent studio working with growing businesses and startups. She also writes the Art//Apart newsletter, where she shares honest thoughts on freelance life and creative work. Having collaborated with brands like Adobe, Google, Dell, and Shake Shack, Irene Neyman is a great follow heading into 2026 if you care about illustration that’s thoughtful, practical, and genuinely memorable.

Instagram: instagram.com/irene_neyman

45. Lively Scout

Lively Scout is the visual studio of Australian illustrator and designer Katie Lively, and her work truly lives up to the name. Her illustrations are vibrant, expressive, and full of movement, drawing heavily from music, art, and culture of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Every piece feels joyful and immersive, like stepping into a colorful, slightly psychedelic world.

Her style blends bold lines, rich color, and flowing forms with patterns and symbolism inspired by nature and storytelling. There’s a strong sense of rhythm in her work, often feeling musical in the way shapes and colors interact. The imagery can be surreal at times, but it always feels warm, playful, and inviting rather than abstract for the sake of it.

With decades of experience as a designer, creative director, and illustrator, Katie brings a clear sense of intention to every project. Represented globally by IllustrationX, she works across branding, packaging, and editorial, creating illustrations that feel energetic while still carrying meaning. If you’re drawn to expressive visuals with personality and heart, Lively Scout is a great artist to follow into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/livelyscout

46. Yeti Iglesias

Yeti Iglesias is a Mexico City based illustrator and 2D animator whose work is bold, joyful, and impossible to miss. Her illustrations are packed with bright color, playful characters, and organic shapes that feel lively and full of motion, even when they’re completely still. There’s a sense of fun running through everything she makes, without it ever feeling messy or uncontrolled.

Her style leans into vibrant palettes, textures, gradients, and plant inspired forms, often creating scenes that feel fresh and energetic. Yeti has a strong storytelling instinct, using simple compositions to communicate ideas clearly while keeping things visually exciting. The work feels friendly and modern, with just the right amount of attitude.

Alongside illustration, Yeti brings animation into the mix, which adds another layer of life to her visuals. She has worked with brands like Apple, Amazon, Spotify, GoDaddy, Vans, and American Greetings, adapting her style while keeping its core personality intact. If you’re looking for illustration that’s colorful, expressive, and full of positive energy, Yeti Iglesias is a great follow heading into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/yetiglesias

47. Jen Borror

Jen Borror is the illustrator and designer behind Hoot Design Studio, an award winning studio based in York, Pennsylvania. Her work is deeply rooted in hand drawn craft, with a strong focus on packaging and branding that feels intentional, detailed, and built to last. You can immediately feel the care in her illustrations. Nothing feels rushed or generic.

A lot of Jen’s work lives in the world of packaging, especially within craft beer, food, and beauty. She often uses engraving inspired linework, pen and ink textures, and rich pattern design to create labels that feel timeless and tactile. Even when working digitally, the work keeps a handmade quality that helps brands stand out on the shelf.

What sets Hoot Design Studio apart is a clear commitment to authenticity. Every project starts with storytelling and craft, not trends or shortcuts. If you’re drawn to illustration that feels human, thoughtful, and rooted in traditional techniques, Jen Borror is absolutely worth following into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/hootdesignstudio

48. Frederique Matti

Frederique Matti is an Amsterdam based artist, illustrator, and art director whose work feels calm, modern, and quietly expressive. Her visuals are built from simple shapes, thoughtful compositions, and soft color palettes that give everyday scenes a sense of balance and clarity. There’s an ease to her work that makes it feel natural and considered, never overworked.

She moves comfortably between digital illustration and painting, bringing a painter’s sensitivity into her commercial work. Characters, interiors, and small moments of daily life often take center stage, drawn with restraint and warmth. Frederique has a strong instinct for turning abstract ideas into visuals that feel relatable and human, especially in editorial and brand contexts.

Alongside her personal practice, she has worked with clients such as Google, Uber, Spotify, GitHub, Dropbox, Intercom, Women’s Health Magazine, and Deliveroo. Whether she’s creating brand illustrations, murals, or custom artwork, her work consistently balances function with feeling. If you appreciate illustration that’s elegant, clear, and emotionally grounded, Frederique Matti is well worth following into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/frederique.png

49. Dominique Ramsey

Dominique Ramsey is an award winning illustrator and designer based in Charlotte, known for work that’s bold, expressive, and rich with story. Her illustrations use strong line work, bright color, and playful patterns to create scenes that feel lively and full of meaning. There’s a sense of confidence in her style, paired with a deep curiosity about where ideas come from.

A lot of Dominique’s work leans into symbolism and narrative. Inspired by theology, folk art, animation, and history, she builds visual worlds that feel imaginative but grounded. Animals, characters, and environments often take on a slightly surreal quality, helping abstract or emotional ideas feel more approachable and human.

Her work has been recognized by organizations like the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, and 3x3, and shown in galleries across the US. She’s also illustrated children’s books and worked with clients such as Wizards of the Coast, Macy’s, Pinterest, GoDaddy, Walmart, and UMG Records. If you’re drawn to illustration that’s colorful, thoughtful, and full of personality, Dominique Ramsey is an artist worth following into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/dominiqueramseyart

50. Darya Semenova

Darya Semenova is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer based in Tbilisi, Georgia, known for clean, expressive character work that feels both modern and human. Her illustrations are built from bold shapes, elegant lines, and smart use of negative space, creating visuals that feel simple at first glance but reveal a lot of thought underneath.

Her style sits comfortably between geometric and organic, which makes it especially flexible across formats like editorial, branding, and video. Characters are always at the center of her work, shown in everyday moments with subtle emotion and movement. Nothing feels overworked. Each element has a clear purpose, which makes her illustrations easy to read and easy to remember.

Darya’s work translates well across digital spaces, and she has created illustrations for brands such as Google, Spotify, Decathlon, Pfizer, Avon, and Brompton. With a growing interest in motion and 3D alongside her illustration practice, she’s clearly evolving her skill set. If you’re interested in character driven illustration that’s refined, versatile, and built for modern brands, Darya Semenova is a great artist to follow into 2026.

Instagram: instagram.com/patrisxa

Wrapping up: 50 Illustrators to follow in 2026

That’s our list. 50 illustrators we think are shaping where visual storytelling is headed. Some are pushing styles forward, some are experimenting in new ways, and some are simply making the internet a more inspiring place to spend time. All of them are worth following in 2026.

And of course, this is only a small slice of what’s out there. Illustration is a huge world, and there’s always more great work to discover. Who’s on your radar right now? Let us know—we’re always excited to find new artists to follow.

We also published an in-depth look at the graphic design trends shaping 2026, alongside a curated list of free fonts that are set to become go-to choices for upcoming design projects.

Find more design inspiration on the Jukebox blog.