Google's Editorial Illustrations
This project involved creating editorial illustrations for Google India, where the brand tone is unmistakably playful, inclusive, and safe. Google’s visual language leans toward optimism and approachability, even when addressing serious or sensitive topics. The challenge was to reflect that warmth without diluting clarity and ensuring the illustrations felt friendly and human, while remaining instantly understandable and broadly accessible across audiences.
Illustrating for a Playful, Trusted Brand
The process began with loose sketches and explorations, focusing on composition, symbolism, and emotional cues. These early iterations helped define how much detail was necessary and where simplicity worked better than realism. I iterated extensively on gestures, expressions, and decorative elements, gradually refining the balance between charm and restraint. Each decision was guided by how the illustration would feel at a glance—inviting, reassuring, and never intimidating.
A Cohesive Editorial System
The final colored illustrations translated those explorations into a cohesive visual system that aligned closely with Google’s brand values. Bold yet soft colors, rounded forms, and playful flourishes helped convey friendliness and inclusivity, while clear structure ensured the message remained front and center. The result was a set of illustrations that felt distinctly Google. It was fun, empathetic, and trustworthy while adapting seamlessly across editorial and communication touchpoints.
