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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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Max ErwinRuth PalmerColin ElgieReiko KatoBob VenablesMartin Hargreaves Black and WhiteChris KingKlaus MeinhardtAndrei NicolescuDiego AbreuGreg StraightHeymoonly DaleAlison KerryJan MeininghausMartin Hargreaves ColorFabio LyraLydia SilverPhilipp BeckAmandine DugonLauren Mortimer PencilsSveta DoroshevaAlan BakerDavi AugustoAlbert MorellVince RayHeather LandisJoseph McDermottButcher BillyMatthew LaznickaPintachanLaura GreenanLuiza LaffitteChelsy EscalonaCat SimsJessine HeinLively ScoutSic MonkieDonough O'Malley
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Max Erwin Retro Illustrator from United States
Cherries with Leaf Illustration
Max Erwin
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Person face down on large vintage rotary phone by Max Erwin
Hang Ups
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A digitized image of a Sony Walkman WM-24
Sony Walkman WM-24 Portable Cassette Player
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Graphic story on how to relax
How to Relax Illustrated Guide
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Portraying NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak
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Ruth Palmer Retro Illustrator from United Kingdom
Miners Working in Underground Tunnel
Ruth Palmer
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Santa Claus with sack of Gifts
Ruth,Palmer,illustration,illustrator,graphic,christmas,santa claus
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Lifestyle five go absolutely nowhere
Five Go Absolutely Nowhere
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Robin on a holly bush winter Christmas illustration
A Traditional Christmas Winter Scene
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Five go parenting book cover illustration by ruth palmer
Five Go Parenting Book Cover
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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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Reiko Kato Retro Illustrator from United States
Yakuza Back Tattoo
Reiko Kato
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Watercolor of black and red goldfish by Reiko Lauper
One of a kind
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Pet portrait of small white dog Apple with fruit frame by Reiko Lauper
Pet portrait
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Black and white portrait of a woman smoking, artwork by Reiko Lauper
Black and White Portrait of Woman Smoking
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Woman smoking with intricate dragon tattoo across her back by Reiko Lauper
Boss Lady
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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
Santa Claus Riding Horse in Mountain Landscape
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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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Chris King Retro Illustrator from UK
Mystery Comics No. 32 Cover
Chris King
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Visual interpretation of a Jack Reacher thriller by Lee Child
Airport Terminal with Christmas Decoration
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Cover illustration of Remember Me book
Remember Me Book Cover Illustration
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Colorful design of a circus performer mid-act
Cowgirl Performing Trick on Horse
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Minimalist figurative artwork in line-based style
Woman with Skateboard and Geometric Background
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Klaus Meinhardt Retro Illustrator from Germany
Colorful Pop Art Sale Discounts
Klaus Meinhardt
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Slot machine with credit rating agencies S&P, Moody's, and Fitch, by Klaus Meinhardt
Rating Agencies Slot Machine
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Woman holding yellow card riding a bull with stars in background by Klaus Meinhardt
Woman Riding Bull with Yellow Card
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Roman figure reclining on pillars surrounded by gold coins by Klaus Meinhardt
Ancient Roman Figure Reclining on Pillars
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Illustration of people blowing and sharing bubble gum by Klaus Meinhardt
People Interacting with Bubble Gum Scenes

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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