There are 2 styles of illustrations at Red Hat: mini illustrations (minis) and illustrations. Minis convey a single, simple idea and are often based on our icons. Illustrations convey an imagined world where technology concepts and solutions come to life and are driven by a story.

Additionally, illustrations can convey this imagined world with or without incorporating people. While illustrations with and without people do not differ in style, we require additional thought and intention when drawing people.

Mini illustrations (minis)

Minis are used in one color and convey a single, simple idea. They’re often based on our icons but have additional details, which makes them perfect for expressing concepts that are too complex for a small icon, and for use in spaces that are too large for an icon.

Illustrations

Illustrations are driven by a story, and can be used in larger applications compared to minis. 

They use elements in a stylized—rather than realistic—color palette to create an imagined world where technology concepts and solutions come to life.

Illustrations with people

Illustrations of people are inspired by photos of real Red Hat associates, customers, and partners.

When including people in an illustration, we give additional time and attention to ensure that the people are realistic and fit in the scene. If we can’t be confident that we are integrating people coherently into an illustration, we don’t include people.

Our illustrations of people depict a diverse community by reflecting the world as it truly exists. We use photos of real people as a source for our illustrations—not our own ideas of people–to prevent unintentional biases and stereotypes.

Considering diversity, equity, and inclusion is a significant part of our process for creating illustrations. Make sure illustrations are reviewed by others— other designers, your peers, and our Red Hat Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion community members.

When creating illustrations of people, always be intentional and thoughtful. Allow time to research, listen, and adjust.

Complex ideas or stories

Illustrations use elements in a stylized—rather than realistic—color palette to create an imagined world where technology concepts and solutions come to life.

There is a clear separation between subjects in the foreground and background. We balance fills of color with monowidth strokes to create a sense of depth and openness.

Defined light source

Like minis, consistent use of light and shadow is important. Our illustrations have a clearly defined light source that casts deep shadows, and help to add depth to the imagined world. 

Unlike minis, the light source does not always have to be cast from the top left.

Solid colors

Unlike minis, illustrations do not use any textures. They also never use gradients. Instead, illustrations make use of solid colors from the Red Hat color palette and negative space to create texture and depth.

Illustrated people are lifelike and dynamic, not oversimplified or static. Illustrated people should always be interacting with their imagined world in a way that feels realistic.

Locate and use a single light source that impacts all subjects and elements in the scene. Use strokes and solid colors to create highlights and shadows thoughtfully.

Illustrate people with enough detail that represents them thoughtfully and creates individuality. If we incorporate people into an illustration, the people should be integral to the illustration and not a background element.

Do not place illustrated people arbitrarily on an existing illustration. If we cannot be confident that we are integrating people realistically within an illustration, we should not use illustrations of people.

Use illustrations large enough that the details are legible and they fill the available space appropriately.

Do not arbitrarily shade subjects and elements in the scene in a way that implies multiple light sources.

Use illustrations independently without additions or modifications.

Do not illustrate people with little to no facial features, or in a way that erases their individuality.

Our illustrations of people depict a diverse community by reflecting the world as it truly exists. We use photos of real people as a source for our illustrations—not our own ideas of people–to prevent unintentional biases and stereotypes.

Considering diversity, equity, and inclusion is a significant part of our process for creating illustrations. Make sure illustrations are reviewed by others— other designers, your peers, and our Red Hat Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion community members.

When creating illustrations of people, always be intentional and thoughtful. Allow time to research, listen, and adjust.

Complex ideas or stories

Illustrations use elements in a stylized—rather than realistic—color palette to create an imagined world where technology concepts and solutions come to life.

There is a clear separation between subjects in the foreground and background. We balance fills of color with monowidth strokes to create a sense of depth and openness.

Defined light source

Like minis, consistent use of light and shadow is important. Our illustrations have a clearly defined light source that casts deep shadows, and help to add depth to the imagined world. 

Unlike minis, the light source does not always have to be cast from the top left.

Solid colors

Unlike minis, illustrations do not use any textures. They also never use gradients. Instead, illustrations make use of solid colors from the Red Hat color palette and negative space to create texture and depth.

Illustrated people are lifelike and dynamic, not oversimplified or static. Illustrated people should always be interacting with their imagined world in a way that feels realistic.

Locate and use a single light source that impacts all subjects and elements in the scene. Use strokes and solid colors to create highlights and shadows thoughtfully.

Illustrate people with enough detail that represents them thoughtfully and creates individuality. If we incorporate people into an illustration, the people should be integral to the illustration and not a background element.

Do not place illustrated people arbitrarily on an existing illustration. If we cannot be confident that we are integrating people realistically within an illustration, we should not use illustrations of people.

Use illustrations large enough that the details are legible and they fill the available space appropriately.

Do not arbitrarily shade subjects and elements in the scene in a way that implies multiple light sources.

Use illustrations independently without additions or modifications.

Do not illustrate people with little to no facial features, or in a way that erases their individuality.

Our illustrations of people depict a diverse community by reflecting the world as it truly exists. We use photos of real people as a source for our illustrations—not our own ideas of people–to prevent unintentional biases and stereotypes.

Considering diversity, equity, and inclusion is a significant part of our process for creating illustrations. Make sure illustrations are reviewed by others— other designers, your peers, and our Red Hat Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion community members.

When creating illustrations of people, always be intentional and thoughtful. Allow time to research, listen, and adjust.

To create realistic skin tones in our illustrations, we use our people palette. Regardless of the color palette used for the rest of the illustration, always use realistic skin tones for people.

For each person, choose 1 skin tone family. Skin tone families are described differently than traditional colors; cool tones lean towards pinks while warm tones lean towards yellows and browns. Learn more about our color palette.

When we’re representing people, there is no room for error. To be intentional and thoughtful, we must allow time to research, listen, and adjust. If we cannot be confident that we are doing our best to represent people thoughtfully and respectfully, we should not use illustrations of people. 

Basing our illustrations off of photos ensures that they are representative of a diverse community. Make sure that reference photos are reflective of real people from Red Hat communities.

Illustrated people are lifelike and dynamic, not oversimplified or static. Illustrated people should always be interacting with their imagined world in a way that feels realistic.

Locate and use a single light source that impacts all subjects and elements in the scene. Use strokes and solid colors to create highlights and shadows thoughtfully.

Illustrate people with enough detail that represents them thoughtfully and creates individuality. If we incorporate people into an illustration, the people should be integral to the illustration and not a background element.

Do not place illustrated people arbitrarily on an existing illustration. If we cannot be confident that we are integrating people realistically within an illustration, we should not use illustrations of people.

Do not arbitrarily shade subjects and elements in the scene in a way that implies multiple light sources.

Do not illustrate people with little to no facial features, or in a way that erases their individuality.