Websites With Illustrations: 5 Examples of Custom Art Bringing Web Design to Life
Some websites are like a blank white room—clean, sure, but a bit like staring at a dentist’s waiting area. Then there are websites with illustrations, where every scroll feels like turning the page of a storybook. These sites don’t just present information—they draw you in, whispering, “Come closer, there’s more to see.”
Whether it’s a diver silhouette guiding you into the deep or brushstrokes that set the stage for creativity, illustrated website design is the secret to standing out in a sea of sameness.
Read on to find out how custom illustrations bring web design to life, using real-world examples to show how the right art can turn a website from “meh” to marvellous. All examples below are Thin Slice Digital’s clients.
Setting the Scene: What Makes a Website with Illustration Elements Stand Out?
When it comes to web design, custom illustrations are like that one friend who shows up to a casual get-together wearing a tailored suit—effortlessly stylish, undeniably confident, and impossible to ignore.
While stock images often feel like they're reading off a script, custom illustrations bring an element of improv—alive, unique, and brimming with personality.
Beyond Stock Photos: Why Custom Art is a Game-Changer
Illustrations can adapt to any brand tone. Want whimsical? No problem. Need a dash of vintage flair? Absolutely. Looking to blend modern minimalism with a sprinkle of nostalgia? Illustrations are your best mate.
They allow designers to convey abstract ideas, simplify complex concepts, and—most importantly—stand out in a sea of cliché office workers shaking hands.
And now, let’s illustrate our points with real-world examples—pun absolutely intended. From whimsical waves to cycling through brand stories, here’s how custom illustrations can transform websites into engaging experiences.
1. Human Touch and Immersive Experiences
Nothing pulls visitors in quite like a splash of immersion. Custom illustrations can transform a flat, static page into a living, breathing experience, and AquaVentures nails this concept with its diver silhouette and animated water elements.
AquaVentures custom web design
The diver silhouette above isn’t just a charming visual—it’s a narrative device. As visitors scroll, this illustration subtly guides their eyes deeper into the site, mirroring the act of diving into the ocean.
And then, there’s the subtle animated water effect.
AquaVentures custom animation
With gentle waves rolling across the screen, it feels as if the entire site is gently bobbing on the sea. The movement is soft like the soothing motion of water. The animation does more than add flair; it sets the mood, evokes calmness, and reinforces the brand's connection to the ocean.
Together, these effects, along with complementary colours and other design elements, transform the AquaVentures website from a simple information source into a sensory experience.
2. Whimsy and Interactivity: Making Websites Playful and Engaging
Custom illustrations can add a playful touch to your website while keeping it professional and on-brand. Dursey Boat Trips strikes this balance beautifully with its hand-drawn elements and interactive design.
The charming, sketch-like icons below add a sense of handcrafted warmth to the site.
Dursey Boat Trips custom illustrations
Unlike standard icons, these custom illustrations incorporate shading and details that make them feel tangible and welcoming. The tiny white clouds in the background float lazily across the screen, adding to the site’s gentle, laid-back vibe.
To learn more about tailored design elements, check out our article on custom cursors.
Dursey Boat Trips interactive wave animation
Then there’s the interactive wave animation. As users hover over different sections, the waves shift in soft, soothing motions, echoing the natural rhythm of the sea. It’s not just a visual treat but also an invitation to explore, drawing visitors deeper into the site’s content.
It’s a bit like adding a friendly tour guide to your website—someone who greets visitors with a smile and a wave (literally).
3. Brand Identity and Storytelling Power
A good illustration can do more than just decorate—it can distil an entire story into a single image. One look and visitors should know what the brand is all about.
The Michael Collins Centre's silhouette logo is a perfect example of this.
Michael Collins Centre silhouette logo
With its clean lines and iconic profile, this silhouette isn’t just a nod to Ireland’s revolutionary leader—it’s a design choice that reinforces the museum’s storytelling mission
The museum itself is a family-run treasure in West Cork, offering an educational dive into the Irish War of Independence and Civil War. The logo acts as the front door to this experience; it’s clear, compelling, and a perfect introduction to the powerful narratives within.
It’s proof that sometimes, less is more—especially when every line carries the weight of history!
4. Seamless Branding Through Illustration: Cycle Through Consistency
When custom illustrations are done right, they don’t just complement a brand—they become an integral part of its identity. Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire demonstrates this perfectly with its clever use of cutout illustrations.
Carlingford Greenway custom illustration and logo
The silhouette of a cyclist in the site’s illustrations mirrors the logo design, reinforcing brand recognition at every scroll. It’s like seeing a friendly face in a crowd—there’s immediate familiarity and comfort.
It’s in the image below, however, that we see a deeper, more narrative use for the skilled cutout design.
Carlingford Greenway “immersive” awards section
As you move through the site, the illustrated landscape continues, even guiding you through the awards section. It’s as if the visitor is cycling through Carlingford Greenway’s accolades, making each award feel like a landmark on a scenic route.
When a website’s illustrations and brand elements cycle in perfect harmony, the entire site feels like a well-paved path—smooth, enjoyable, and leading you exactly where you need to go.
5. Strategic Illustration: A Little Goes a Long Way
Not every site needs a full-blown illustrated experience—sometimes, a light touch is all it takes. Siamsa Tíre Theatre uses selective illustrations to add a handcrafted feel without overwhelming the design.
Siamsa Tíre brushstroke elements
The brushstroke design around the image isn’t just a frame—it’s a stage curtain. This subtle illustration ties the brand’s artistic vision together, setting the tone for creativity before a single word is read.
Below is an example of the brushstroke elements present in an interactive drop-down menu.
Siamsa Tíre brushstroke elements, drop-down menu
When hovering over the menu, those delicate circles feel like tiny spotlights, highlighting each section with a gentle nod to the theatre's creative spirit. It’s as if the website itself is inviting visitors to step into a story, setting the stage with every scroll and click.
Why It Works:
- Selective Use: Instead of overwhelming the entire page with illustrations, Siamsa Tíre strategically places them to draw attention and add a handcrafted feel.
- Brand Consistency: The brushstroke design mirrors the theatre’s focus on creativity, making the website an extension of the artistic experience offered at the venue.
- Subtle Interactivity: The small animated touches in the menu add life to the site, engaging visitors without pulling focus from the primary content.
When to Use (and Not Use) Illustrations in Web Design
When illustrations are used strategically—like Siamsa Tíre’s gentle brushstrokes—they can turn a digital brochure into an experience. But, like confetti at a party, a little is fun—too much, and everyone’s just annoyed, wondering who’s stuck with cleaning up the mess.
✅ Do: Use illustrations to enhance the message, not overshadow it. Think of Dursey Boat Trips’ whimsical icons—they're like sprinkles on a cupcake, not a whole bag of sugar.
✅ Do: Match illustrations to the brand tone and target audience. AquaVentures' diver silhouette isn’t just cute—it’s a metaphorical deep dive into the brand’s story.
✅ Do: Keep consistency in mind. Carlingford Greenway’s cycling cutouts are the perfect companions to its logo, creating a scenic route through the site.
❌ Don’t: Go overboard—there’s a fine line between engaging and chaotic. A few well-placed brushstrokes? Perfect. An entire site that looks like a toddler got hold of digital fingerpaints? Not so much.
❌ Don’t: Use illustrations just because you are following a trend. If they don’t serve a purpose, they’ll feel as out of place as a snorkel at a dinner party (unless, of course, it's a dinner party underwater, in which case, carry on!).
When in doubt, remember: custom illustrations are like good jokes—timing, placement, and purpose make all the difference.
Conclusion: Custom Illustrations—The Secret Sauce of Great Web Design
The best websites with illustrations are pretty and purposeful. They use custom art to guide, delight, and tell stories that linger long after the page is closed.
At Thin Slice Digital, we believe in the magic of custom illustrations. Whether it’s a bold hero section or a subtle brushstroke around a CTA, illustrated website design turns digital spaces into vibrant experiences.
Contact us to receive original, effective and memorable design services.
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