Instabase

Smart Illustration Library

How do we keep brand consistency in our visual language? A short story of designsystem for illustrations.

Client

Instabase

Project Timeline

May 2021 – Present

Industry

Software/Technology (Enterprise SaaS)

Scope of work

Illustration Library

Figma System

Reusable Components

Need for Smart Illustration Library

Challenge

Imagine creating a set of illustrations to be part of company’s branding. It involves defining a style forillustrations, giving it a direction, and creating different scenarios for the company’s web app.

But, what if new illustrations are required on board? Or, what if a team of designers work on the same project? Or a new designer takes over the process? In short, how to make the process scalable, efficient and consistent?

Solution

Designing a smart component library and defining illustration guidelines. Inspired by Humaaans, wesorted all the elements of illustrations into categoriesand built a smart library.

A huge collection of components is created from which characters can be built, simple systematic compositions can be created, and new illustrationscan be designed to be used in different scenarios.

Need for Smart Illustration Library

Challenge

Imagine creating a set of illustrations to be part of company’s branding. It involves defining a style forillustrations, giving it a direction, and creating different scenarios for the company’s web app.

But, what if new illustrations are required on board? Or, what if a team of designers work on the same project? Or a new designer takes over the process? In short, how to make the process scalable, efficient and consistent?

Solution

Designing a smart component library and defining illustration guidelines. Inspired by Humaaans, wesorted all the elements of illustrations into categoriesand built a smart library.

A huge collection of components is created from which characters can be built, simple systematic compositions can be created, and new illustrationscan be designed to be used in different scenarios.

Why we call it smart library?

We sorted all the illustration elements into categories and built a reusable component library in Figma. Thishelped build and strengthen brand identity, defined astyle, and gave the illustrations a direction.

Why do we call it ‘smart’? Because it allows us to create illustrations quickly, consistently and withinbrand guidelines. Now, one doens’t need to be anillustrator to create beautiful shots!

Long story short, we defined a style, gave it a direction,
and created the illustrations for our brand identity.

Long story short, we defined a style, gave it a direction, and created the illustrations for our brand identity.

Long story short, we defined a style, gave it a direction, and created the illustrations for our brand identity.

Early Sketches

Early Sketches

A Versatile Visual Language

We designed the characters and elements using simple shapes, blending perspectives with subtle metaphors to create visual interest, spark imagination, and evoke emotions. The library now includes over 250 scenery elements, allowing us to build dynamic scenes and easily adjust them as needed.

We designed the characters and elements using simple shapes, blending perspectives with subtle metaphors to create visual interest, spark imagination, and evoke emotions. The library now includes over 250 scenery elements, allowing us to build dynamic scenes and easily adjust them as needed.

We designed the characters and elements using simple shapes, blending perspectives with subtle metaphors to create visual interest, spark imagination, and evoke emotions. The library now includes over 250 scenery elements, allowing us to build dynamic scenes and easily adjust them as needed.

Creating custom illustrations has given Instabase a unique way of visual storytelling. However, having a library doesn’t replace the need for illustrators—it’s an evolving resource that requires ongoing development.

We continuously update and expand the library, making it a powerful tool for creativity and efficiency. It streamlines the process of creating materials, enhances brand storytelling, and serves as a versatile resource for the organization.