Flo Wong
illustration | art | design
I used simple lines and geometry to create flat designs, along with a limited colour palette. I then added textures and shading to add depth to the design.

Love is Love — Illustration

Here’s a case study of one of my illustrations.

I wanted to further practice flat design illustration, which is often used in website and app illustrations for tech companies, as a way to a) attract and engage viewers, b) visualize or clarify confusing concepts, or c) guide users to what they’re supposed to do.

So, for Valentine’s Day, I created an embracing couple.

I wanted the illustration to be stylistically simple — with limited colours and anonymity — yet convey emotion in the embrace.

I’m quite happy with the colour scheme, flat design, and overall result. Here are a few snapshots of the process.

I ended up including this piece as part of my solo exhibition of more illustrative works, Summer Daze, Sleepless Nights.

I used simple lines and geometry to create flat designs, along with a limited colour palette. I then added textures and shading to add depth to the design.

I used simple lines and geometry to create flat designs, along with a limited colour palette. I then added textures and shading to add depth to the design.

A trick I do to test colour is changing the illustration to grayscale. Does it preserve the integrity of the image? Are the contrasts balanced and suitable?

A trick I do to test colour is changing the illustration to grayscale. Does it preserve the integrity of the image? Are the contrasts balanced and suitable?

I then experimented with adding a background, to add context to the illustration. Depending on how and where the illustration is used, the background (or lack thereof) may be more suitable. In this case, since this illustration stands on its own (a

I then experimented with adding a background, to add context to the illustration. Depending on how and where the illustration is used, the background (or lack thereof) may be more suitable.

In this case, since this illustration stands on its own (and is not used in a particular article or website), I had some creative freedom. I had been missing the February Minnesotan snow, I created a subtle snow-ground (which could also be taken as sand, so the illustration didn’t have to be winter-specific).

The full-colour version of the illustrated couple with the background. I realize the title “Love is Love” is misleading, as my illustration shows a heterosexual looking couple, even if their genders are ambiguous. Either way, I hope to create more

The full-colour version of the illustrated couple with the background.

I realize the title “Love is Love” is misleading, as my illustration shows a heterosexual looking couple, even if their genders are ambiguous. Either way, I hope to create more art that is intentionally inclusive of non-heteronormative types of relationships.

I ended up giclee printing and framing this piece. It’s on display at Kafka’s Coffee & Tea, for my solo exhibition of illustrated pieces Summer Daze, Sleepless Nights .

I ended up giclee printing and framing this piece. It’s on display at Kafka’s Coffee & Tea, for my solo exhibition of illustrated pieces Summer Daze, Sleepless Nights.