# Sketched Selling Marketers use illustrations to create simple charm. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Nov 29, 2011, updated Dec 1, 2011 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sketched-selling ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.7/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Sketched Selling trend? **Sketched Selling:** A lot of money can be spent on photography and special effects, which is why the recent direction in using simple sketched graphics—often black and white—in marketing makes sense. Not only providing brands with a more cost-efficient creative alternative, these charming, almost childlike sketches, also capture attention and appeal to consumer sentiment. People are naturally drawn to artwork, and those that are adorably simple also effectively appeal to consumers’ more youthful sides. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 8 to Oct 24, 2011 - Published: Nov 29, 2011 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Sketched Selling trend ### Sketched Illustrations in Branding Using simple sketched graphics in marketing provides brands with a more cost-efficient and charming alternative that effectively appeals to consumer sentiment. ### Design Drawing as Aesthetic Drawing designs or products with a hand-rendered quality complete with delicate pencil lines, textures and shading attract style-conscious consumers and speak to aspiring designers. ### Sketches-Only Virtual Boutiques Using only simple sketches instead of photos enhances a vintage or classic atmosphere for clothing websites and appeals to consumers looking for products with a more simple aesthetic. ## What the Sketched Selling trend means for industry ### For Alcohol Branding Alcohol brands can effectively use sketched illustrations in their designs to create a unique, playful and cost-efficient branding strategy. ### For Fashion and Beauty The utilization of sketched designs in clothing, makeup, and accessory packaging appeals to style-conscious consumers and aspiring designers who appreciate a hand-rendered quality. ### For Retail Design In-store sketches can create a graphic and whimsical look and offer a childlike touch that can attract customers and enhance the store's product offerings. ## Trend signals for Sketched Selling Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 68%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 68% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Sketched Selling trend 7 featured examples from Jun 8 to Oct 24, 2011. - [Sketched Sweets Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-candy-room): The Candy Room by Red Design Group is Graphically Playful (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for interior design firms to offer unique graphic design services for retail spaces. - [Fauvist Beverage Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/francis-coppola-reserve-packaging): Francis Coppola Reserve Packaging Channels Henri Matisse (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for using personalized and art-inspired packaging to create brand identity and appeal for wine and beverage products. - [Hand-Drawn Wine Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/promenade-wine-packaging): Promenade Wine Packaging Illustrates the Parisian Experience (Category: World) Implication: Incorporating unique packaging designs that create an immersive drinking experience can set brands apart in a highly competitive market. - [Illustrated Style Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/percy-and-reed-dry-shampoo-packaging): Percy and Reed Dry Shampoo Packaging Speaks to Aspiring Designers (Category: Fashion) Implication: Cosmetic brands can explore innovative packaging design to stand out in a saturated market. - [Sketches-Only Virtual Boutiques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levi-s-vintage-clothing): Levi's Vintage Clothing Site Pays Tribute to the Brand's Heritage (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunities for e-commerce players to leverage a nostalgic brand by using sketches or vintage-inspired lines to engage with consumers. - [Illustrated Fish Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jonah-and-the-whale-vodka-packaging): Jonah and the Whale Vodka Packaging has a Childish Charm (Category: Social Good) Implication: Opportunity for alcoholic beverage companies to create innovative packaging designs that stand out in the market and appeal to a wider range of consumers. - [Pencil Designed Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patent-leather-carry-case): Relive the Days of Etch A Sketch with the Patent Leather Carry Case (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Fashion accessory brands can capitalize on the trend of simple aesthetic designs by offering bags and other accessories with clean and minimalist styles. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)