Stuart Holmes — Vector Graphic Illustrator, Melbourne

Based in Melbourne, Australia, Stuart Holmes has a bold and exciting graphical style that brings fun and visual punch to his client’s projects. His quirky characters, scenes and landscapes – all carefully assembled from colorful geometric shapes – have brought campaigns to life for a whole range of global clients.

Originally from London, Stuart trained as a graphic designer, gaining a BA from Croydon University. But he felt that illustration allowed him much more freedom and developed his vector graphic style, giving it added depth through clever use of shading and texture. His influences include Will Cotton, Walter Martin and Paloma Munoz, Patrick Caulfield, Gary Hume, Robert Rauschenberg and Peter Blake.

Approach

Stuart’s process begins with a pencil rough for client approval before moving over to his computer to create the image. Adobe Illustrator is his software of choice – perfect for his vector graphic style.

Key Software

Adobe Illustrator, procreate

Style

Stuart’s style has evolved from the flat graphic look usually associated with vector graphics. He still uses flat colors and basic forms, but cleverly brings depth to his images through his palette, texturing and little touches of humor, which he tunes in to the brief.

Client list

Stuart’s clients include Men’s Health, The BBC, Virgin Mobile, Selfridges, Borders, Deakin University, EasyJet and Orange.