Getting Into Board Game Illustration
Published on 10/08/2023
Getting Into Board Game Illustration
Teacher: Atlanta Japp, West Coast Manager, Advocate Art Incorporated
Over the course of the last two years, the world realized just how much we all still love board games. Although sometimes seen as “old-fashioned,” people are increasingly ditching their digital gaming for these nostalgic pastimes. Not only do these games often provide fun brain teasers, but they are also a wholesome way to socialize with friends and family.
Most of these games were invented a while ago, so it is up to illustrators to produce trendy, new art to keep these products up to date and relevant. Game clients are choosing to embrace new digital styles over the common traditional look. They are pulling ideas from successful book series, video games, tv shows, and box-office movies.
Board games do not offer a lot of surface area for illustration, so it is important to really use up all the space allowed. Remember to use bright, bold, rich colors, and to create dynamic scenes with your characters. Experiment with a sense of dimension to allow the players to feel like they are really part of the game.
If you are looking to work on licensed character projects, remember that these characters will need to be approved, so it is imperative to nail down the original look. With that said, my last piece of advice would be to do your research. Look online to see what is trending, and find photo references and ideas that will enhance your work and allow it to stand out from the rest! Make sure to note down top board game companies, and see if you can research if they did the art in-house or hired a freelancer. Often these jobs go to illustrators represented by agencies, but sometimes they take self-represented artists as well. Board game art may be a rare commission, but once you are hired it can be a lucrative market.
For more free tips for how to improve your illustration portfolio, subscribe to our ITSme Learning Newsletter!
Other News
Trend Watch: YA Illustrated Covers
Over the past few years, illustrated covers have become a defining visual language in the Young Adult (YA) and New Adult (NA) book market. And no, this isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a design evolution powered by the viral force of #BookTok, #bookgirlies, and a growing appetite for genre-fluid storytelling. Hear what’s driving the…
Trend Watch: The Graphic Novel Boom
Every week we’ll be featuring a new article over on LinkedIn, in our new trend watch series! Graphic novels are having a moment—and it’s no passing trend. From classrooms to bestseller lists, graphic novels are dominating shelves and reading time across all ages. What was once seen as a niche format with a distinct, heavy-lined “comic book”…
Bologna 2025: A Week of Connection
By: Vicky Patoulioti, Talent Source Manager, ITSme This year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair was one to remember. From early mornings to late evenings, our team Vicky, Bhavi, Ed, and Emily — were on the ground offering free portfolio reviews to artists from all over the world. Mornings kicked off with pre-scheduled reviews, while in the…
How to Beat AI and Catch the Client’s Eye
Illustration by Camipepe By: Edward Burns, CEO, ITSme As AI art tools become more sophisticated, it becomes more important to emphasize our value and status as authentic human artists. Crafting a great bio and portfolio is an excellent way to make an immediate impact. They should allow the client to get to know you in…
Be A Pro at Curating Your Portfolio!
You asked, and we listened! Be A Pro at Curating Your Portfolio; our new course is here! Learn all the secrets to crafting a standout portfolio with 4 Hours of Expert-Led Content! One of the biggest challenges you face in your illustration career is presenting your work in a way that catches the eye of…
Why Using AI in Art Briefs Can Stifle Creativity
Illustration by Beth Goody. By: Edward Burns CEO, ITSme AI art tools such as Midjourney or Flux are becoming more and more capable, and that fact is impossible to ignore. With these developments, it can be tempting to use AI-generated art as reference material when briefing a project. While AI has its uses, we at…