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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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Colin ElgieBob VenablesGreg StraightCat SimsLuiza LaffitteMartin Hargreaves ColorLively ScoutAlison KerryChelsy EscalonaHeather LandisChris KingJan MeininghausDonough O'MalleyJessine HeinLaura GreenanMatthew LaznickaRuth PalmerMartin Hargreaves Black and WhiteFabio LyraAndrei NicolescuSic MonkieDiego AbreuAlbert MorellLydia SilverHeymoonly DaleReiko KatoLauren Mortimer PencilsVince RayAlan BakerButcher BillyJoseph McDermottMax ErwinAmandine DugonSveta DoroshevaPhilipp BeckPintachan
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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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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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Greg Straight Retro Illustrator from New Zealand
Cheapskates
Greg Straight
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New Zealand themed illustration with wildlife, sports, and cultural icons by Greg Straight
NZ Post
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Illustration showing Costa Rica landmarks, animals, and cultural elements
Costa Rica Culture and Landmarks Illustration
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Illustration of home, garden, animals, and outdoor objects in bright colors
Waikato Home and Garden Show Poster
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Plane bingo game with images of travel items to spot on a flight
Plane Bingo Travel Game Board
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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
Motorcyclists Riding at Sunset
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Halloween comic commissioned by the Gas Safe Register
Halloween Comic with Friendly Ghost
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Luiza Laffitte Retro Illustrator from France
The Pink Elephant Cocktail Lounge Logo
Luiza Laffitte
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Strawberries illustration with one wearing a blue face mask by Luiza Laffitte
Strawberries with Face Mask Illustration
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English Breakfast tea label with illustrated rabbits and leaves by Luiza Laffitte
English Breakfast Organic Tea Label with Rabbits
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Orange fruit illustration and panettone packaging by Luiza Laffitte
Panettone Packaging with Orange Fruit Design
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Packaging and labeling for Breesa chocolates
Chocolate packaging
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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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Lively Scout Retro Illustrator from Australia
Stylish Young Couple in Colorful Outfits
Lively Scout
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Illustration of paper plane flying above colorful abstract clouds by Lively Scout
Paper Plane Over Colorful Abstract Clouds
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Psychedelic twin figures with flowers and swirling patterns by Lively Scout
Psychedelic Twin Figures with Flowers
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Animated Coat
Animated Coat
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Illustration of a woman with flowing hair and white flowers by Lively Scout
Woman with Flowing Hair and White Flowers
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Alison Kerry Retro Illustrator from United States
Gilded Age Train Dining Car
Alison Kerry
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Holiday village with decorated Christmas tree under moon, by Alison Kerry
Holiday Village Scene with Christmas Tree
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Desert scene with hikers and cacti under Aquarius sign by Alison Kerry
Aquarius Tucson Desert Stamp Illustration
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Illustration of fried calamari with lemon and a jalapeño cocktail by Alison Kerry
Calamari and Cocktail with Jalapeño
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Volunteers picking up trash on a sunny Spanish island beach by Alison Kerry
Volunteers Cleaning Spanish Island Beach

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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