Which illustration style should you choose for your book?
The style sets the mood of the book: the same memory, drawn in watercolor or in black and white, doesn't tell the same story. LoomyBook offers six. Here is how to compare them in a few minutes, one by one, then by occasion.
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By Julie M. · LoomyBook team assistant
Reviewed by the LoomyBook editorial team · · Editorial policy
The 6 styles in one table
| Style | Mood | Colors | Best occasions | If you like… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manga | Expressive, lively | Color | Couple, friendship, birthday | anime and manga |
| Watercolor | Soft, romantic | Pastel | Wedding, new baby, couple | children's book illustration, softness |
| Vintage | Retro, warm | Warm colors | Wedding anniversary, family, retirement | old posters and comics |
| Film noir | Dramatic, elegant | Black and white | Couple, wedding | classic cinema, shadows, rain on windows |
| American Modern | Dynamic, energetic | Bright colors | Birthday, friendship, couple | current comics and superheroes |
| 3D animation | Warm, tender | Color, soft light | New baby, family, Mother's Day | animated films |
The style changes neither the price nor the page count: €39 digital, €59 for the printed Signature (30 pages), €129 for the Prestige (40 pages).
Manga: expressiveness first
Manga draws emotions big: wide eyes, strong gestures, a fit of laughter that fills a whole page. It suits duos who grew up on the same series, or whose story is full of bursts.
It reads very clearly for funny scenes and reunions. See the personalized manga illustrated book.
Watercolor: softness
Watercolor melts the colors and softens the outlines. Scenes look hand-painted, in pastel light. It is the choice for tender stories: a wedding, a new baby, a family memory.
It is also the safest style when you hesitate: it suits almost everyone. See the personalized watercolor illustrated book.
Vintage: nostalgia
Vintage borrows the look of 1950s romances and comics: warm colors, generous lines, visible print halftones. It suits stories with some age on them: a wedding anniversary, lifelong friends, a retirement.
Film noir: the cinema
Film noir plays with shadow and contrast. Everything is in black and white, with rainy street scenes and silhouettes against the light. It suits couples who love classic cinema and staging.
It is the most distinctive style: pick it if your duo sees itself in it. See the personalized film noir illustrated book.
American Modern: today's comic
American Modern has the energy of a contemporary comic: clean lines, bold colors, dynamic framing. You are the heroes of a modern comic book, for a birthday or a friendship full of drive.
See the personalized American Modern illustrated book. For a book shaped like a real comic, see also our personalized comic book page.
3D animation: the animated film
3D animation gives round, expressive characters in soft light, like an animated film. It touches the oldest and the youngest alike, hence its place for a new baby, a family or Mother's Day.
See the personalized 3D illustrated book.
Hesitating? See your duo in each style
The simplest way is to compare on your own photos. A personalized preview is provided before you order: you see your duo drawn in the style you pick, and you can try another. The complete book is only created after your order, then reviewed before printing: 48 hours of review, 10 free revisions.
A tip: choose the style for the person receiving it, not for your own taste. If they have a favorite film, series or illustrator, you already have your answer.
Which style for which occasion?
- ✦ Wedding or wedding anniversary: watercolor for softness, film noir for elegance. See the watercolor wedding book and the film noir wedding book.
- ✦ Couple: every style works. See our guide to the personalized couple book.
- ✦ A friend: manga or American Modern for the laughs. See the manga friendship book and the American Modern friendship book.
- ✦ New baby: watercolor or 3D, for tenderness. See the 3D new baby book.
- ✦ Family and retirement: vintage for the memory of a whole life. See the vintage retirement book.
Ready to start?
Create your illustrated book now
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