Illustrations in Email – Add an Element of Vivacity to Your Campaigns

It is intriguing to know how well email subscribers respond to illustrations and the extent to which it influences their construction of meaning. When marketers were asked what types of visuals were most frequently produced during the year 2016, 35% mentioned stock photos while 30.4% of marketers stated that they used original graphics, such as infographics and illustrations, most often.

Email marketers are also gradually getting the hang of using illustrations in emails. The different kinds of art in these illustrations draw the attention of subscribers and help them understand your offerings better.

The main advantage of using illustrations in emails is that the subscribers can actually picture themselves in the images, which enables better decision making.

Why Choose Illustrations in Email?

1. Brilliant storytelling tool

Illustrations work as extensions of your brand personality and convey your story in a way that gets your subscribers hooked to the email. You can share the usage guide of your website, products or services effectively through illustrations.

2. Easy Conceptualization

If you wish to represent an abstract idea or a metaphorical object, illustrations make the conceptualization easy and create a better replica of what you wish to express.

3. Adaptability

Illustrations can be re-used and re-edited to match the changing requirements of your email campaigns. You can add icons, diagrams, symbols, and other smart art elements in your emails and give the design different forms like Flat design, Skeuomorphic, Cartoon, Low Poly, etc.

4. Modularity

Elements can be added or removed from the draft illustrations and revamped according to the purpose of the email.

5. Cost-effective

Compared to other interactive elements, illustrations in emails are cost-effective and help in achieving the same results. You can even customize the stock illustrations available on the Internet… And you know what the best part is? Even if you don’t have a team, a single illustrator can design awesome illustrations.

7 Best Illustrations in Email Examples in Our Inbox

1. Warby Parker

Warby Parker, the popular Glasses brand in this email template have convincingly conveyed the indoor use of sunglasses – introducing their new sun collective. Not only have they mentioned 8 ways where sunglasses can be used indoors, through relevant iconic representations; the purpose of the email along with their offering has also been clearly conveyed.

2. Boden New British

This is a very good Illustrator email of Reality vs Expectations by Boden.

While the image features the protagonist in reality, the illustration shows the expectation of the customers that can be achieved using their product. Brilliantly portrayed, isn’t it?

3. Petsmart

Illustrations are always a great way to present the idea in a light way. Here in the email by Petsmart, a cartoon of a dog with a speech bubble adds up to the tagline “Shop beds for every sleep style”.

4. Uncommon Goods

This email from Uncommon Goods has a very creative design with interesting illustrations depicting the crafty moms. However, it would be even better if the text was overlaid on the illustrations. Overall, a great example for illustrations in emails.

5. Mango Kids:

The Halloween emailer by Mango Kids has incorporated illustration over photography for a Bang-on effect to the message. While white background and minimal body copy makes the email STAND OUT.

6. Photojojo

Photography accessory retailer Photojojo used an Octopus to provide $8 discount on any product as a part of re-engagement email. The short body email body and emphasis on the Offer provokes the subscriber to take an action.

7. Starbucks:

Starbucks has incorporated illustrations alongside the photos of their products to highlight the seasons. Crisp layout and arrangement of elements give a refreshing feel to this email.

Wrapping Up

Now that you’ve got a detailed idea about illustrations and the examples, how about delighting your subscribers with attractive illustrations in your next email campaign?

Have you been using illustrations in your email? Share with us in the comments.