Precision & Play: Expressive Illustrations by Mallory Heyer

Minneapolis-born illustrator Mallory Heyer creates vibrant portraits and illustrations that ooze personality and style. A key part of her signature look is the way she adds bold, unexpected pops of color over carefully constructed faces and figures. While these abstract shapes might seem random at first, they come together to give each subject a unique, expressive twist.

Originally trained as a painter, Mallory combines her love for cinematic lighting, fashion aesthetics and classic art influences (like Euan Uglow and Hilma af Klint) with digital techniques. Her process starts traditionally, with pencil sketches, then shifts to digital where she sharpens the linework and layers in her striking color combinations.

Over the years, Mallory’s distinctive style has caught the attention of major lifestyle and entertainment brands, with commissions from the likes of Nike, Penguin, Google, MTV and The Hollywood Reporter. To see more of her incredible work, visit her website.

More illustrations via IllustrationX