Client
HMH
Services
Illustration & Iconography
Industry
Tech & Education
HMH is a adaptive learning company who focuses on what moves each learner, HMH delivers what educators need to foster growth and built lasting momentum. They created integrated K-12 learning solutions for core, supplemental intervention, assessment, and professional learning—delivered on one streaming platform.
Their technology can flex, uncovering smarter insights about students and helping educators act on what motivates them.
I collaborated with Lippincott to create an illustration style that fit HMH’s new brand expression and add some spark into their visual graphics.
Project Insights
Our illustrations convey a sense of motion and reflect a contemporary, approachable aesthetic. Our overall stylistic principles being: they should feel technical yet possess an unexpected, distinctive edge. Subject matter—like our imagery—can range from straightforward to metaphorical, but avoid overly complex or abstract ideas.
Main key touch points were
Imply a sense of movement or growth.
Create focus by depicting only what is necessary to convey an object, idea, or story.
Use gradients strategically to direct the eye toward the main subject.
Sketching and planning faze
With the references and insights gathered, I began sketching concepts for a few key illustrations that were needed for various applications.
I typically start with two or three spots or icons, and once we agree on a direction, we move forward with the rest. During the sketching phase, the focus is on establishing the overall tone and voice.
Sketches sample
Finished look
I’m quite chuffed of how this project turned out and how it has evolved over time. The team behind it is deeply invested in the illustration process, and working with them is a joy. They’re engaged, thoughtful, and they offer insightful suggestions—something that can make all the difference between a good illustration and meh one.
My favourite projects are always the ones that feel like a true team effort. You want clients who trust your judgment but who aren’t afraid to participate in the process and throw out feedback—the good kind, the productive kind. Collaboration like that doesn’t just improve the work; it makes the entire creative journey more meaningful.
