Amr Bo Shanab is an illustrator with a growing collection of bright, eye-catching illustrations which focus on highly applicable and relatable lifestyle themes. With a background in marketing and graphic design which clearly influences his work, we wanted to pick his brains on how he successfully creates and licenses his images.
Amr’s illustrations have an authentic hand-drawn aesthetic, so we were keen to find out more about his creative processes, along with what inspires and motivates him to produce these drawings.
Any aspiring illustrators should read on to find out the importance of researching the market and authentically developing their own style while having an awareness of what’s currently trending.
‘It’s true that the stock image market is vast and diverse, and pinpointing exact demands can be challenging, I saw this as an opportunity rather than a limitation. Instead of trying to chase fleeting trends or hyper-specific niches, I decided to focus on the enduring appeal of daily life.’
LG: How long have you been an illustrator and what made you want to get into illustration?
ABS: While I haven’t been working solely as an illustrator for an extended period in the traditional sense, illustration has been a core element of my creative journey since around 2011. My primary focus has been building and running my design studio, specializing in branding. In fact, I’ve been working as a Creative Director, leading branding projects since early 2017.
Interestingly, it was within the world of branding that my passion for illustration truly reignited. As we crafted visual identities for brands, I became increasingly drawn to the power of illustrative drawings to infuse those identities with vitality and a sense of human connection. Illustration made brands feel more interactive, approachable, and memorable. It wasn’t just about logos and typography; it was about storytelling through visuals.
This experience sparked the idea of exploring illustration beyond its application in branding. In early 2021, I started thinking about creating illustrations specifically for licensing. I was drawn to the idea of capturing the diverse and endlessly renewable subject matter of everyday life. Everyday scenes offer a constant source of inspiration and resonate with a broad audience. The beauty of it is that these everyday moments can be interpreted and illustrated in countless ways, offering continuous creative possibilities.
So, while my background is rooted in design and branding, illustration has become a significant and evolving part of my creative expression, driven by a desire to capture the essence of daily life and make it accessible through licensing.
LG: What inspires you to be creative and keep on making images? I can see most of your images are based on everyday life, what motivates you to focus on this subject and how did you develop your distinctive style?
ABS: My motivation to create is fueled by a constant curiosity about the world around me, particularly the beauty and complexity found within everyday life.
Coming from a branding design background, I’m naturally attuned to visual communication and understanding audience needs. When I considered creating illustrations for licensing, I wanted to find a subject matter that was both universally relatable and endlessly inspiring.
While it’s true that the stock image market is vast and diverse, and pinpointing exact demands can be challenging, I saw this as an opportunity rather than a limitation. Instead of trying to chase fleeting trends or hyper-specific niches, I decided to focus on the enduring appeal of daily life. Everyday situations – whether it’s a bustling marketplace, a quiet moment in a park, or the simple act of sharing a meal – are experiences we all share in some way. This universality is incredibly powerful. I realized that illustrations capturing these moments could be incredibly versatile, finding applications across a wide range of media, from magazines and blogs to websites and educational materials. The sheer breadth of topics within ‘daily life’ also ensures a constant stream of fresh inspiration, making it a truly renewable source of creativity.
Developing my style has been an intentional process of exploration. Given my branding background, clarity and versatility were key considerations. I experimented with various styles, aware of current trends, but ultimately gravitated towards a semi-realistic approach. I aim for illustrations that are grounded in reality, allowing for easy connection and understanding, but with a stylized touch that makes them visually engaging. I often employ bold, flat colours and clear shading to create definition and visual impact. It was important to me to avoid a purely cartoonish style, as I wanted the illustrations to feel adaptable and appropriate for a wide spectrum of uses, much like a photograph but with a distinct illustrative quality.
While I’ve found a style that currently resonates, I see style development as an ongoing journey. I’m excited to continue experimenting and refining my approach, exploring new techniques and visual languages that remain versatile and relevant, while always aiming to capture the essence of everyday life in fresh and engaging ways.
LG: What’s your favourite illustration from your collection on Alamy and why?
ABS: When I create illustrations, my primary goal is for them to communicate clearly and serve their intended purpose. So, in that sense, I don’t necessarily have a ‘favorite’ in the traditional, sentimental way.
However, if I were to select an illustration from my Alamy collection that I find particularly effective in embodying my goals for licensing, I would choose my portrait of a mother and son on graduation day.
LG: Can you talk us through your work process? Is it all digitally produced or is there a hand-drawn element to it? What software do you use?
ABS: My entire illustration process is digitally produced, leveraging the power of the HUION Kamvas Pro 16 2.5K digital tablet. This tablet feels incredibly natural to work with, providing a very intuitive drawing experience that closely mimics working on paper, which is essential for capturing the kind of fluid lines and expressive marks I aim for.
My software of choice is primarily a combination of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Fresco. I often begin my process in Adobe Fresco. I find Fresco fantastic for the initial sketching and linework stages. Its vector brushes are incredibly smooth and responsive, allowing me to quickly develop ideas and refine compositions. The live brushes in Fresco, which simulate real paint and watercolour, are also inspiring for experimenting with textures and colour washes early in the process, even if I don’t always use them in the final piece.
LG: What advice would you give to illustrators who might be just starting out?
ABS: For illustrators just starting, especially those interested in licensing, my advice is twofold: first, cultivate your unique artistic voice, and second, develop a smart, market-aware approach.
It’s crucial to draw what you love and find your own style – authenticity will always resonate. However, if you’re creating illustrations for licensing, also train yourself to think about the end user. Imagine how your illustrations could be used – in a blog post, a magazine, on a website. Choose topics with broad appeal and versatility, things that many clients might need.
Experiment to find a style that you enjoy and can produce efficiently and consistently. In the licensing world, volume and a steady output can be beneficial. Look at current trends, but also consider topics and styles with staying power – build a collection that can have long-term relevance.
Ultimately, blend your passion with smart, market-aware choices. Your unique voice combined with commercially viable illustrations is a powerful combination for success in licensing.
