Search with words
Search with an image
Search with voice
Describe what you want
Describe what you want
Speech recognition not supported
Your speech...
Your speech...
images & artists
images only
Drag or upload an image here

Your images are not stored. All search activity takes place on our own servers.

Artists

Keywords
Want to discuss a commission?
Speak to a local agent
020 7720 5202
IllustrationX
Connecting You to a World of Illustration
Illustrators
Styles
Search by
Text
Voice
Image
international regions
international regions
UK
USA
UK
France
China
Australia
Brazil
South America
India
Germany
SE Asia
Japan
Korea
020 7720 5202 | enquiries

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

All
UK
North America
Europe
China
Aus/NZ
South America
Andrei NicolescuMartin Hargreaves ColorPintachanLuiza LaffitteBob VenablesReiko KatoCat SimsMartin Hargreaves Black and WhiteLaura GreenanJessine HeinDiego AbreuGreg StraightVince RayFabio LyraSic MonkieMax ErwinAlan BakerChelsy EscalonaJoseph McDermottAlbert MorellRuth PalmerDonough O'MalleyLydia SilverMatthew LaznickaLively ScoutChris KingColin ElgieHeather LandisAlison KerryButcher BillyPhilipp BeckLauren Mortimer PencilsAmandine DugonHeymoonly DaleSveta DoroshevaJan Meininghaus
More like this
Andrei Nicolescu Retro Illustrator from Romania
Person with Umbrella and Blue Light
Andrei Nicolescu
More like this
Hand holding Mermoz magazine with abstract blue cover by Andrei Nicolescu
Mermoz Magazine with Abstract Cover
More like this
Film poster for Cadence showing a large saxophone and a person on the bell by Andrei Nicolescu
Cadence Movie Poster with Saxophone
More like this
Music poster with saxophone and 'CADENCE' text on city street by Andrei Nicolescu
Cadence Music Poster with Saxophone
More like this
Man in suit on fire escape staircase with blue and pink sky
Man on Fire Escape at Dusk
More like this
Martin Hargreaves Color Retro Illustrator from UK
Victorian Woman in White Dress at Cafe
Martin Hargreaves Color
More like this
Woman riding bicycle
Woman Riding Bicycle in Countryside
More like this
Santa Claus with sack on Big Issue magazine cover by Martin Hargreaves
Santa Claus on Big Issue Cover
More like this
Woman in French Revolution outfit pointing directly, artwork by Martin Hargreaves
Viral French Revolution Propaganda
More like this
Woman in academic gown holding Union Jack shield by the sea by Martin Hargreaves
Woman in Academic Dress on Island with Shield
More like this
Pintachan Retro Illustrator from Spain
Pintachan
More like this
Pintachan Retro
More like this
Illustration of barber with razor and shaving brush
Cartoon Barber with Razor and Brush
More like this
Illustration of a smiling girl with ghostly shapes around her
Cartoon Girl with Ghost-Like Figures
More like this
Cartoon girl with blonde hair and candy around her on teal background
Cartoon Girl Surrounded by Candy
More like this
Luiza Laffitte Retro Illustrator from France
The Pink Elephant Cocktail Lounge Logo
Luiza Laffitte
More like this
Strawberries illustration with one wearing a blue face mask by Luiza Laffitte
Strawberries with Face Mask Illustration
More like this
English Breakfast tea label with illustrated rabbits and leaves by Luiza Laffitte
English Breakfast Organic Tea Label with Rabbits
More like this
Orange fruit illustration and panettone packaging by Luiza Laffitte
Panettone Packaging with Orange Fruit Design
More like this
Packaging and labeling for Breesa chocolates
Chocolate packaging
More like this
Bob Venables Retro Illustrator from United Kingdom
Giant Praying Mantis Attack Illustration
Bob Venables
More like this
Medieval music band retro art
Medieval Band Playing Instruments
More like this
Retro art of Napa Valley Wine Brand ONE HOPE
1950s Couple Toasting with Drinks
More like this
Wimbledon Tennis Championships advertising poster
Wimbledon 2018 Tennis Championships Poster
More like this
E. Leclerc Cultural Spaces catalogue oil painting
Santa Claus Riding Horse in Mountain Landscape
More like this
Reiko Kato Retro Illustrator from United States
Yakuza Back Tattoo
Reiko Kato
More like this
Watercolor of black and red goldfish by Reiko Lauper
One of a kind
More like this
Pet portrait of small white dog Apple with fruit frame by Reiko Lauper
Pet portrait
More like this
Black and white portrait of a woman smoking, artwork by Reiko Lauper
Black and White Portrait of Woman Smoking
More like this
Woman smoking with intricate dragon tattoo across her back by Reiko Lauper
Boss Lady
More like this
Cat Sims Retro Illustrator from United Kingdom
Puffin Book
Cat Sims
More like this
The guide book poster comic illustration
Campbell's Soup Can with Pop Culture Figures
More like this
People on horse
Three Riders and a Trainer with Horses
More like this
Cover artwork for Sick Again’s new record
Motorcyclists Riding at Sunset
More like this
Halloween comic commissioned by the Gas Safe Register
Halloween Comic with Friendly Ghost
More like this
Martin Hargreaves Black and White Retro Illustrator
Detailed Botanical Grain Illustration
Martin Hargreaves Black and White
More like this
Black and white drawing of woman sitting on steps, thoughtful pose by Martin Hargreaves
Contemplative Woman Sitting Drawing
More like this
Black and white religious judgment scene illustration by Martin Hargreaves
Judgment Scene with Religious Figures
More like this
Illustration of a bearded man leaning on a bicycle by Martin Hargreaves
Bearded Man Leaning on Bicycle
More like this
Illustration of Queen Elizabeth II in crown and regal robes by Martin Hargreaves
Queen Elizabeth II in Regal Attire

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.
Other offices
:
USA
France
Germany
Brazil
South America
China
Australia
SE Asia
IllustrationX
Connecting You to a World of Illustration
Your local illustration agency
London, UK
hello@illustrationx.com
020 7720 5202
4th Floor, Silverstream House, 45 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6EB
(visits by appointment only please)
Trusted
We're valued and trusted by our clients
Our clients give us a 96%+ rating for our expertise and service
Find out more
1% for the Planet
We give back for every commission
We've pledged 1% of our turnover to actions that mitigate climate change
View 1% for the Planet
Follow us
pinterest
facebook
linkedin
instagram
See how others use illustration
by subscribing to our free newsletter
Top 20 • June 2026
This month's pick of the best
© Illustration Limited 1997 - 2026
Website terms
Trading terms
Privacy policy
SAA Member
Admin login
website design by Manifest