5 Tips for Creating Mid-Century Illustrations That Stand Out

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

Mid-century illustration is an art form that beautifully marries the nostalgia of the past with the vibrancy of the present. Whether you're an experienced designer or a beginner, creating a standout mid-century illustration that resonates with viewers can be a rewarding and fun experience. This blog will provide you with five simple yet effective tips to help you create illustrations that capture the essence of the mid-century era and stand out from the crowd.

1. Get Inspired by the Era

Immerse yourself in the world of mid-century design to truly capture its essence in your illustrations. Understanding the era's unique aesthetics will help you create art that's both authentic and appealing.

Study the Color Palette

One of the defining characteristics of mid-century illustration is its distinctive color palette. The mid-century era was all about bold, vibrant colors like teal, mustard yellow, and burnt orange. Take time to study the color schemes used in this era and incorporate them into your artwork. But remember, it's not just about replicating these colors—it's about understanding the feelings and moods they evoke and using them effectively in your illustrations.

Explore the Furniture Designs

Mid-century furniture pieces, with their clean lines and organic shapes, make fantastic focal points in mid-century illustrations. Iconic pieces like the Eames chair or the Noguchi table are not only aesthetically pleasing but also embody the ethos of the era—functionality meets art. By incorporating these design elements into your illustrations, you can give them a distinctly mid-century vibe.

Understand the Architecture

The architecture of the mid-century era was characterized by simplicity, functionality, and a connection with nature. Think of iconic structures like the Fallingwater house by Frank Lloyd Wright or the Case Study Houses in California. By incorporating architectural elements from this era into your mid-century illustrations, you can add depth and authenticity to your artwork. Remember, it's not about copying these designs, but about capturing their spirit in your illustrations.

2. Incorporate Retro Typography

Typography is a powerful tool in the realm of mid-century illustration. It doesn't just convey information—it also sets the mood and complements the overall aesthetic of your artwork.

Use Period-Specific Fonts

Mid-century typography was marked by bold, simple, and easily readable fonts. If you're looking for a truly authentic mid-century feel, consider using fonts like Futura or Helvetica. These fonts capture the era's love for simplicity and functionality and can add a genuine retro touch to your illustrations.

Try Hand Lettering

Hand lettering can add a personal and unique touch to your mid-century illustrations. It can be as simple as a hand-drawn title or as complex as a full-blown typography artwork. The key is to keep it simple, readable, and in line with the mid-century aesthetic. Don't be afraid to experiment and find a style that resonates with you.

Experiment with Text Layouts

Playing with text layouts can bring a dynamic and engaging element to your illustrations. Think of how you can position your text to guide the viewer's eye through the artwork. Maybe you can have your text follow the curve of a mid-century chair, or have it positioned around an architectural element. The possibilities are endless, and the more you play with it, the more you'll discover your unique style.

3. Use Vintage Textures

Textures play a key role in creating depth and visual interest in your mid-century illustrations. Vintage textures can give your work a tactile quality, making it feel more authentic and engaging. Here are a few ways you can incorporate them into your designs.

Apply Grainy Effects

One of the most characteristic features of mid-century artwork is the grainy texture. This effect, reminiscent of the printing techniques of the era, can add warmth and a sense of nostalgia to your illustrations. You can achieve this look by using digital brushes or texture overlays designed to mimic the grainy effect.

Try Out Distressed Looks

Another great way to infuse your mid-century illustrations with a vintage vibe is to experiment with distressed textures. These can emulate the look of worn-out print material, giving your work an authentic, lived-in feel. You can use digital brushes to create this distressed effect, or scan and layer actual vintage materials onto your digital canvas.

Incorporate Handmade Elements

Finally, consider including handmade elements in your mid-century illustrations. This could be anything from hand-drawn doodles to collage elements. These details can add a unique and personal touch to your illustrations, making them stand out in a sea of digital designs.

4. Focus on Simplicity

Mid-century design is known for its simplicity of form and function, and this principle extends to mid-century illustrations as well. By focusing on simplicity, you can create strong, impactful designs that are both timeless and memorable. Here's how:

Limit Your Color Scheme

When creating a mid-century illustration, try to keep your color palette simple. This doesn't mean your designs need to be monochrome, but consider using a select range of coordinated colors. This can create a cohesive and harmonious look that's characteristic of mid-century design. Remember, less can often be more when it comes to color.

Keep Shapes and Lines Clean

Simplicity in mid-century design also extends to the use of shapes and lines. The era was known for its clean, geometric forms, so try to incorporate these into your illustrations. This might mean using simple, blocky shapes or clean, straight lines. The goal is to create a sense of order and balance in your designs.

Avoid Overcrowding the Design

Finally, avoid the temptation to fill every inch of your canvas. Mid-century design values open space just as much as the elements it contains. By leaving some areas of your illustration uncluttered, you allow your key design elements to shine, and you create a more visually appealing composition. Remember, sometimes the most powerful design statement you can make is knowing when to stop.

5. Balance Modern and Vintage Elements

Creating a successful mid-century illustration isn't just about replicating the past—it's about bringing the spirit of the era into the present day. A great way to do this is by balancing modern and vintage elements in your designs. Here's how you can achieve this balance:

Blend New and Old Styles

The beauty of mid-century design is its timeless appeal. Blend clean, vintage shapes with modern color schemes or vice versa. The key is to create a seamless fusion of old and new that feels fresh and contemporary, while still having a clear nod to the mid-century era.

Update Retro Designs with Modern Twists

Another way to balance modern and vintage elements is by taking classic mid-century designs and giving them a modern twist. This could involve experimenting with scale, playing with unusual color combinations, or introducing unexpected design elements. This approach can help your mid-century illustrations feel relevant and engaging for today's audiences.

Maintain Consistency in Your Illustration

Finally, as you balance modern and vintage elements, remember to maintain consistency in your illustrations. This can help create a cohesive design that respects the mid-century aesthetic while bringing something new to the table. Consistency can be achieved through the repetition of certain colors, shapes, or patterns. It's all about creating a sense of harmony and balance in your designs.

Remember, creating standout mid-century illustrations involves a mix of understanding the past, interpreting it in your unique style, and presenting it in a way that resonates with the present. It's about finding that sweet spot where nostalgia meets novelty, and old meets new. Happy designing!

If you're looking to enhance your mid-century illustration skills and make your artwork stand out, don't miss the 'Storytelling In Illustration' workshop by Mirelle Ortega. This workshop will teach you how to weave engaging narratives into your illustrations, taking your creative work to new heights.