The World Illustration Awards 2025 celebrate the diverse and impactful work of illustrators, showcasing projects that range from engaging packaging to thought-provoking books. Rachel Hill emphasizes the importance of illustration in shaping perceptions and understanding in various mediums. The winning works are featured in an online showcase, including artist interviews and insights into their creative processes.

Peilin Li emphasizes the importance of embracing one's natural style in illustration, highlighting how personal experiences and small details can create emotional connections in art. Her geometric approach to figurative work, inspired by childhood picture books, has garnered her recognition and awards, allowing her to collaborate with major brands. Looking ahead, she aims to evolve her style through diverse digital media and storytelling.

Little Troop has created a playful and engaging identity for the MoMA Family Festival that balances childlike wonder with artistic sophistication. Utilizing geometric shapes and a vibrant color palette, the design appeals to both children and adults, encouraging exploration and creativity. The identity's dynamic and modular elements adapt across various mediums, enhancing the festival's welcoming atmosphere.

Brands are increasingly turning to illustration for its distinctiveness and ability to stretch creative ideas beyond the limitations of photography. Despite some hesitations due to perceived risks and procurement challenges, the potential for illustration to stand out in a saturated market is driving its resurgence as a vital creative tool. Experts predict a future where illustration becomes more integrated with digital media and creative direction.

Saintly, previously known as Fohm, collaborated with Universal Favourite to elevate the image of their touchless cleansing foam dispenser, the Divine Dispenser. The rebranding emphasizes cleanliness as a divine experience through Renaissance-inspired visuals and humor, subverting traditional expectations of bathroom products.

Polytechnic, a London-based design studio, collaborated with Anywhere Book Club to create engaging companion guides aimed at enhancing children's reading experiences. The guides feature a whimsical tamandua mascot illustrated by Marcus Oakley, promoting inclusivity and joy for both children and adults through playful design and relatable graphics. This branding initiative emphasizes companionship and nostalgia, making reading an enjoyable and shared activity.

Brands are increasingly leveraging illustration as a powerful storytelling tool, creating engaging experiences that resonate with audiences. Notable examples include Nissan's cinematic animations, Costa Coffee's festival activations, and Tesco's premium packaging, all highlighting the collaboration between brands and illustrators to enhance authenticity and emotional connection.

The Association of Illustrators has revealed the shortlist for the World Illustration Awards 2025, showcasing 200 exceptional projects selected from over 4,700 entries worldwide. This year's entries highlight diverse categories, including Editorial, Children's Books, and Science & Technology, with a focus on innovation and technical excellence in illustration.

Leah Han's illustrations blend Eastern and Western influences, showcasing a unique style that reflects her philosophical background and artistic evolution. Her work, which incorporates both traditional media like gouache and digital tools, captures the essence of modern femininity through playful and dynamic compositions inspired by her surroundings in Berlin.

Sara Maese, a young illustrator from southern Spain, creates enchanting artworks using simple forms and warm pastel colors. Her unique style is evident in various projects, including playful illustrations for wine magazines and humorous recreations of classic art, showcasing her talent in both illustration and animation.

Adobe has launched a "created without generative AI" tag for its Fresco app, allowing artists to certify their work as human-generated amidst the rise of generative AI tools. This initiative reflects Adobe's recognition of the divide in the creative community regarding the use of AI in art, providing creators a means to distinguish their authentic work.

Hatting, a Swedish bread brand, has launched a new dynamic branding designed by IW Agency and illustrator Falko Grentrup to appeal to younger consumers. The design features playful characters and bold typography, aiming to make wholegrain bread feel relevant and exciting in a traditional market.

GeneralPublic Studio has crafted a unique identity for Apoticari, drawing from the rich heritage of French apothecaries. The design features a blend of traditional elements and contemporary aesthetics, emphasizing typographic pairing, natural color palettes, and custom plant illustrations to convey warmth and authenticity.