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Retro

Go back in time with one of our talented retro illustrators working in a huge range of eras and styles from fine art to poster graphics

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Martin Hargreaves ColorColin ElgieMartin Hargreaves Black and WhiteFabio LyraDonough O'MalleyBob VenablesSveta DoroshevaCat SimsAmandine DugonGreg StraightPintachanJan MeininghausButcher BillyJessine HeinJoseph McDermottDiego AbreuHeather LandisHeymoonly DaleLuiza LaffitteChris KingAlison KerryLauren Mortimer PencilsAndrei NicolescuChelsy EscalonaSic MonkiePhilipp BeckLively ScoutMatthew LaznickaAlan BakerMax ErwinRuth PalmerReiko KatoDavi AugustoAlbert MorellLaura GreenanVince Ray
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Martin Hargreaves Color Retro Illustrator from UK
Victorian Woman in White Dress at Cafe
Martin Hargreaves Color
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Woman riding bicycle
Woman Riding Bicycle in Countryside
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Santa Claus with sack on Big Issue magazine cover by Martin Hargreaves
Santa Claus on Big Issue Cover
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Woman in French Revolution outfit pointing directly, artwork by Martin Hargreaves
Viral French Revolution Propaganda
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Woman in academic gown holding Union Jack shield by the sea by Martin Hargreaves
Woman in Academic Dress on Island with Shield
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Colin Elgie Retro Illustrator from UK
Reader's Digest
Colin Elgie
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Retro style cover for "Fly Away Paul" book
Fly Away Paul
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Iconic Cuban objects for EuroWings Airline tail fin
Cuba Airplane Tail Fin
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Flyer advertising the Royal Windsor Horse Show
Royal Windsor Horse Show Poster
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Illustration of an airplane on steamed train
Streamlined Poster
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Martin Hargreaves Black and White Retro Illustrator
Detailed Botanical Grain Illustration
Martin Hargreaves Black and White
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Black and white drawing of woman sitting on steps, thoughtful pose by Martin Hargreaves
Contemplative Woman Sitting Drawing
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Black and white religious judgment scene illustration by Martin Hargreaves
Judgment Scene with Religious Figures
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Illustration of a bearded man leaning on a bicycle by Martin Hargreaves
Bearded Man Leaning on Bicycle
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Illustration of Queen Elizabeth II in crown and regal robes by Martin Hargreaves
Queen Elizabeth II in Regal Attire
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Fabio Lyra Retro Illustrator from Brazil
Maybe The Welders - Bartletts Quotations
Fabio Lyra
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the band suite parque album cover
Suite Parque - Vamos dar Um Tempo
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boy looking at a girl comic art
Three People Conversing at Urban Scene
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Brazilian edition cover for 'Last Days' children's book
Last Days' Book
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Halloween edition poster for Tied To The 90's party
Tied To The 90's - Especial Halloween
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Donough O'Malley Retro Illustrator from United Kingdom
The Christmas star is a colourful tradition in Ukraine. Every year since the 17th century, hand made octagonal stars are carried in parades by Carolers as they walk through towns and cities.
Donough O'Malley
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Stylized colorful portraits of four distinct characters by Donough O'Malley
Stylized Portraits of Four Vibrant Characters
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Cover illustration for Viva Brighton magazine
Viva Magazine Cover Beach Volleyball
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Illustration of person holding cane with clock on waist by Donough O'Malley
Health Editorial Illustration with Clock
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Diving woman plunging into water with colorful layers by Donough O'Malley
Colorful Diving Woman Poster
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Bob Venables Retro Illustrator from United Kingdom
Giant Praying Mantis Attack Illustration
Bob Venables
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Medieval music band retro art
Medieval Band Playing Instruments
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Retro art of Napa Valley Wine Brand ONE HOPE
1950s Couple Toasting with Drinks
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Wimbledon Tennis Championships advertising poster
Wimbledon 2018 Tennis Championships Poster
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E. Leclerc Cultural Spaces catalogue oil painting
Landscape-Father Christmas
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Sveta Dorosheva Retro Illustrator from Israel
Dual Portrait with Floral and Ornate Details
Sveta Dorosheva
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Hierophant and Judgement tarot cards detailed line art by Sveta Dorosheva
Hierophant and Judgement Tarot Cards
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An illustration of students in a class
Vintage Russian Classroom Scene
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Hanged Man hanging from tree and Chariot tarot card by Sveta Dorosheva
Hanged Man and Chariot Tarot Cards
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Vintage art of street scene
Soviet-Era Street Scene with Skaters
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Cat Sims Retro Illustrator from United Kingdom
Puffin Book
Cat Sims
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The guide book poster comic illustration
Campbell's Soup Can with Pop Culture Figures
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People on horse
Three Riders and a Trainer with Horses
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Cover artwork for Sick Again’s new record
Album artwork for Sick again's second record.
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Halloween comic commissioned by the Gas Safe Register
Page from a halloween comic commissioned by the Gas Safe Register

Related styles

Explore similar styles to help you narrow down your search for the right illustrator.

PopArchitectureCharacter DesignComicHistoricalMapsPasticheWood Engraving & EtchingPeopleAdvertisingBook Covers

More about retro illustration

Retro style illustration is well-loved because of its power to evoke bygone decades, sparking a sense of nostalgia as it takes us back to the 1950s, 60s, 70s or 80s by effortlessly capturing the style of the period in question. Retro illustrators are adept at referencing the pop culture of the past, employing the colour palettes and creative techniques used at the time for an authentic finish across advertising, editorial, packaging, online campaigns and more. Whether it’s Normal Rockwell-esque paintings, Golden Age comics books, Day Glo posters or Yellow Submarines, the challenge is to find meaning in the past while making it exciting again in the present.

Frequently asked questions about Retro illustration

How do I find the right retro illustrator for my project?
The commissioning process begins with a brief. Let us know what you want illustrated; how, when and where the images will be used; the duration of the campaign; your budget; and your deadline.
How much does retro illustration cost?
There’s no set cost. It will vary depending on the illustrator you choose and how they work, the extent of the work and the other factors outlined in the brief.
Why use IllustrationX?
IllustrationX offers a varied selection of retro illustrators from around the world, and an expert agenting team to ensure your entire project runs smoothly and on time. To find out more, see our About page.
How do I commission a retro illustrator?
The commissioning process begins with a brief. Let us know what you want illustrated; how, when and where the images will be used; the duration of the campaign; your budget; and your deadline.
What makes a good retro illustration?
A good retro illustration captures the aesthetic of a clearly identifiable period in the 20th century, evoking the nostalgia while perhaps offering a contemporary eye – something new and relevant.
Do you commission animation as well?
If so, we represent many outstandingly talented animators, creating gifs, explainers, characters, stop motion and motion graphics for TV, film, games and digital streaming in 2d and 3d.
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