What line illustration covers for your brand
Line illustration is ideal when you want artwork that stays clear at small sizes and still looks sharp on large print runs. We create single weight or varied weight line work for product inserts, instruction sheets, packaging, badges, maps, menus and brand systems that need a neat, technical feel. The finished artwork can be simple and practical or more detailed, depending on the subject and the way it will be used.
We work from your brief, your rough sketch, your existing logo or reference images, then build artwork that suits the job. If you already have artwork and you own the rights to use it, we can redraw and refine it into a cleaner vector format. If you only need a fresh illustration, we can create it from scratch in a style that fits your layout and print method. It is common to need a version for digital use and another for print, especially when the design must sit on textured stock or small label space.
- Instruction diagrams and how-to sheets
- Packaging line art and label art
- Minimal brand icons and symbols
- Product outlines, details and feature drawings
- Custom map, menu and guide artwork
How we handle redraws, tracing and hand-built line work
Some projects only need bitmap tracing from a clear image. That works well when the original art is simple, has good contrast and does not need much correction. For low quality scans, old logos, fuzzy photocopies or drawings with uneven strokes, a direct trace can keep the same flaws. In those cases we recommend a hand redraw so the line weight, curves and corners are corrected properly.
Our process depends on what the artwork needs to do. A logo mark for a municipal tender pack might need clean geometry and exact spacing, while a mascot or scene may need more character and hand made detail. We check proportions, line ends, negative space and small details like open counters, joins and overlaps. If the art is for a coastal business in Durban or Port Elizabeth, we also consider how it will reproduce on humid weather labels, corrugated cartons and coated stock.
- Bitmap tracing for simple, clear source files
- Manual redraw for poor scans or damaged originals
- Illustration cleanup for print accuracy and consistency
- Style matching across a set of related artworks
File formats and print-ready specs
We supply line illustrations in vector formats that can be scaled without loss of quality. That makes them suitable for packaging, signage, manuals and digital use across different sizes and materials. Where needed, we also supply versions flattened for specific printers or converted for office systems that need lighter files.
Typical outputs include SVG, EPS, PDF and AI, with PNG or JPG previews for approval. When a client needs prepress support, we can set line weights to suit the final print size, convert text to outlines where required and keep the artwork tidy for repro houses in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Pretoria. For black and white artwork, we usually build in pure black line work or a controlled one colour process, though the layout can also carry spot colour if the project calls for it.
- Vector artwork for crisp scaling
- Single colour or limited colour line systems
- Print safe line weights from fine detail to bold outlines
- Editable source files for future updates
- Delivery suited to packaging, manuals and social assets
Our project steps from brief to final files
We keep the process direct so there is less back and forth. First we review your brief, reference material and any existing artwork. Then we advise whether a redraw, trace or fresh illustration is the better route. Once the direction is clear, we draw the artwork, share a proof and make the practical changes before final delivery. If you need several related illustrations for one pack, we keep them consistent in line weight and style.
Clients in Stellenbosch, Paarl, Bloemfontein and the larger metros often want files for several uses at once, such as print, web and internal documents. We can prepare a file set that covers those needs in one round, which helps when a brand must work across labels, manuals and presentation material. You stay involved at the approval stage so the final art matches the brief and not just the source image.
- Brief review and file check
- Advice on redraw, trace or new illustration
- Artwork build and first proof
- Corrections and final approval
- Export of agreed formats and sizes
Turnaround, pricing and artwork updates
Turnaround depends on the complexity of the drawing, how clean the source file is and how many variations you need. A simple line icon is quicker than a detailed scene or a set of matched illustrations for packaging. We quote after seeing the artwork and understanding the finish required, so the pricing reflects the actual work rather than a fixed one size fits all rate.
For ongoing brands, maintenance is often just as important as the first drawing. Packaging changes, product updates and new menu items can mean the line system needs small edits every few months or at launch cycles. Many clients prefer a quarterly or twice yearly check so the files stay current and consistent. That is useful when artwork is used by multiple staff or print suppliers and needs to remain controlled. If a set needs minor tweaks, we update the master files and keep the structure organised for later use.
- Pricing based on complexity and format needs
- Separate quoting for redraws, new art and multi-piece sets
- Ongoing maintenance for updated versions
- Optional file housekeeping for future re-use
Who uses line illustration and what to send us
Line illustration suits businesses that want clear, practical artwork without heavy shading or full colour detail. We often work on manuals for trade and industrial use, packaging for food and retail, badge artwork, training sheets, product labels and simple brand systems that need to stay readable on small surfaces. It is also a good fit when the visual style must feel neat and controlled rather than decorative.
To begin, send the artwork you want redrawn or describe the image you need created. Please make sure you own the rights to the material you send us or have permission to use it. That includes logos, sketches, photos and reference art. The more detail you give us about size, print method, stock and usage, the easier it is to set the correct line weight and finish first time. Our enquiry form on the contact page is the best way to start if you are based in Cape Town or elsewhere in South Africa.
- Existing artwork or a clear brief
- Final size or intended use
- Print method and material if known
- Any style reference or line weight preference
Key facts
| Service area | Observatory, Cape Town with clients across South Africa |
|---|---|
| Main formats | SVG, EPS, PDF and AI |
| Artwork type | Hand redraw, vector tracing and custom line illustration |
| Common uses | Manuals, packaging, labels, menus, badges and maps |
| File handover | Editable vector files with approval previews |
| Rights requirement | Clients must own or have permission to use supplied artwork |
