For me one of the most inspirational aspects of design is the union of typography and illustration.

From hand rendered calligraphy to visual onomatopoeia where the type takes on the appearance of the words it portrays, there are many different techniques, styles and examples to paw over and narrowing down to a top ten was no mean feat!

Here are some of my favourite examples of illustrative typography.

No. 10. Steven Paul Jobs by Dylan Roscover

Following on from the last Alphablog article, maybe this is more typographic illustration than illustrative typography, but lets not be picky. The use of words from a 90s Apple ad to build the portrait of the top man is intriguing, clever and beautiful.

Source: gorosco.com
_

No. 9. Dream Shepherds by Ania Szerszen

A fascinating world of hand drawn linework, organic flora shapes and bizarre, hidden characters.

Source: Typography Served
_

No. 8. Daily Drop Caps by Jessica Hische

Since 2009 Jessica has been uploading decorative drop cap illustrations to this ongoing project, gaining her huge recognition and endless plaudits from the online design community. But it’s not all she does – other elegant type based work can be found on her website and is well worth checking out.

Source: Daily Drop Cap, Jessica Hische
_

No. 7. Let Your Good Heart Lead You Home by Si Scott

An expert with a pen and ink, Yorkshireman Si prefers not to draw with computers – what you see here is painstakingly hand drawn. I know, I couldn’t believe it either! Check his website for loads of other intense flurries of swirls, loops, and swashes.

Source: Si Scott
Via: Paper Scissor Stone
_

No. 6. Cities by Julene Harrison

Julene must have incredible patience! Her beautifully intricate hand cut artworks are a joy to behold but she must have a permanently sore index finger from all that scalpel work!

Source: Julene Harrison
Via: La Dolce Vita
-

No. 5. Rolled Gold by Alex Trochut

Barcelona based Alex is one of the most talented and sought after designers in Europe, with a philosophy of ‘more is more’, a client list that reads as a veritable who’s who and a portfolio full of detailed, technical and often surreal type based vector artwork.

The luxurious album cover for the Rolling Stones must go down as one of the more famous pieces he’s done.

Source: Alex Trochut
_

No. 4. Home Sweet Home by Seb Lester

Former Senior Type Designer at Monotype, Seb now produces highly collectible typographic based art prints including this calligraphic masterpiece printed onto iridescent Mirri paper. The depth of detail in his work is quite incredible.

Source: Seb Lester
_

No. 3. Cream by Sean Freeman

Illustrating doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be done with a pen or a mouse – Sean Freeman’s approach often involves real objects arranged, photographed and manipulated digitally.

Source: Thereis
Via: vi.sualize.us
_

No. 2. 5000 Dollars by Yulia Brodskaya

Producing a similar effect to that of Si Scott’s swirls, Yulia’s incredible artwork is created using rolled paper: exquisite, decadent patterns crafted with accuracy that most couldn’t replicate with the help of a computer!

Source: Yulia Brodskaya
Via: vi.sualize.us
_

No. 1. Burger by Vasava

It makes me hungry just looking at this wonderful piece! Each part of the stack spells out the ingredient and replicates its appearance – the mustard looks like it’s been squeezed from the bottle of French’s, the cheese melts tantalisingly and the burger looks freshly grilled.

Source: Vasava