Using Illustrations as Headshots

In today’s digital world, your headshot is often the first thing people see, and it can say a lot about you. While traditional photos are the go-to, using an illustration as your headshot adds a creative twist that helps showcase your personality and makes you stand out. Illustrations offer a fun way to express your unique traits in a playful and memorable way, and they’re super customizable to match your branding style.

For creative professionals, an illustrated headshot is a great way to stay consistent with your brand identity across your website and social media. It’s a chance to inject more of your personality into your visual identity, which a traditional photo might not capture. Plus, illustrations let you get as creative as you want—whether it’s a fun outfit or a totally different vibe—without the usual photo shoot limitations.

At our creative studio, we decided to go for both an illustration and a traditional photo in our branding. This way, we get the authenticity of a real photo while also showcasing the creativity and personality that an illustration brings. It’s the best of both worlds, balancing professionalism with a bit of flair. If you're interested in trying something different, an illustrated headshot could be a great option, and we’d be happy to help with that if you'd like.

Cia Nelson

Cia is our Studio Manager, bringing over 14 years of expertise in creative operations, photography, and art to ensure the seamless management of our studio. With a diverse background in architecture management, photography (interior and portrait), digital illustration, and content curation, she has honed her ability to craft compelling visual narratives across various industries.

As the Lead Photo Editor for Luxe Airbnb, Cia has played a key role in curating and refining high-end imagery that embodies luxury and sophistication, ensuring every photograph meets the highest standards of quality and brand consistency. Her keen eye for composition, lighting, and detail extends beyond editing—she has extensive experience in photo audits, visual storytelling, and curating cohesive imagery that enhances brand identities. Whether overseeing large-scale shoots, guiding clients on refining their visual presence, or fine-tuning images to align with strategic branding goals, Cia brings both technical expertise and artistic vision to every project.

Outside of the studio, Cia finds inspiration in her hobbies of illustration, watercolor painting, and playing pool. She loves transforming everyday moments into works of art and enjoys the creative freedom that these activities provide.

Previous
Previous

How Naomi Peña “That Art Party” Turned Marketing Overwhelm into Growth

Next
Next

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Process of YMCO’s Website Redesign