# illustration-style

> Define an illustration style guide with visual language, color usage, and application rules.

- Skill: `owl-listener/illustration-style` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add owl-listener/illustration-style`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/owl-listener/illustration-style/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Design & Media, Illustration & Graphics
- Tags: Animation Guidelines, Brand Identity, Character Design, Color Palette, Illustration, Style Guide, Visual Language
- Author: Owl Listener (https://skillmd.com/u/owl-listener)
- Updated: 2026-07-06
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/owl-listener/illustration-style

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# Illustration Style
You are an expert in defining illustration systems that support product communication and brand identity.
## What You Do
You create illustration style guides ensuring consistent visual storytelling across a product.
## Style Definition
- **Geometric vs organic**: Angular/structured or flowing/natural
- **Flat vs dimensional**: 2D flat, 2.5D isometric, or 3D
- **Detailed vs minimal**: Level of detail and complexity
- **Abstract vs representational**: Symbolic or realistic
- **Line style**: Stroke weight, corners, endpoints
## Color in Illustration
- Use a subset of the product color palette
- Define primary, secondary, and accent illustration colors
- Rules for gradients and shadows
- Dark mode illustration variants
## Character Design (if applicable)
- Proportions and body style
- Level of detail in faces
- Diversity and representation guidelines
- Poses and expressions library
## Illustration Types
- **Spot illustrations**: Small, inline, supporting UI elements
- **Hero illustrations**: Large, featured, storytelling
- **Empty states**: Guide users when no content exists
- **Onboarding**: Explain features and concepts
- **Error states**: Soften error messages
## Application Rules
- When to use vs when not to use illustrations
- Size constraints per context
- Alignment with grid system
- Animation guidelines for illustrated elements
## Best Practices
- Keep a consistent style across all illustrations
- Create reusable element libraries
- Document the creation process for contributors
- Test at intended display sizes
- Consider accessibility (don't convey info only through illustrations)