We know creating truly inclusive visuals takes care, commitment and curiosity. But we also know the effort is worth it. Because when people see themselves in the stories we tell, those stories become stronger, more relatable and more impactful.
Here are some of the guiding ideas that help us - and could help you - create visual stories that include more people, more of the time…
Inclusion is everyone’s job
Creating inclusive work isn’t the job of a few individuals on the team. It’s a shared responsibility. Whether or not you’ve personally experienced discrimination, we all have a role to play in making sure the people we draw - and the worlds we imagine - are as inclusive and representative as possible.
Do we need characters at all?
Not every story needs people. Sometimes abstract shapes or symbolic visuals can communicate ideas more universally. But using abstraction to avoid grappling with identity isn’t the goal. The choice to go figurative or abstract should be intentional, not evasive.
Keep it simple - without being simplistic
At Scriberia, we simplify complex ideas but that doesn’t mean simplifying people. Even when we use minimal forms, we aim to reflect the world’s rich diversity, not default to stereotypes. A character’s identity shouldn’t be reduced to a single detail; our job is to represent real, varied, relatable humans, however simply they’re drawn.
Design a world where anyone can be the main character
Sometimes we get to illustrate big, busy scenes with space for everyone. Sometimes we’re zoomed in on a moment between two people. Either way, our job is to suggest a world beyond the frame where anyone could take centre stage. This means thinking critically about casting. Who holds the focus? Who acts and who supports? Who’s front and centre and who’s missing entirely? These questions help us spot assumptions and make better, more inclusive choices.
Learn from the people around you
The best visual storytellers are also the best observers. Sketch, research, explore and gather visual references. Notice the way people move, dress, speak, interact. Ask yourself: What kind of day is this character having? What are they thinking about?
Be thoughtful about colour
If you're using colour to suggest race or ethnicity, do so with intention. Use a spectrum of skin tones and remember that people from the same background can look very different. Hair is often darker than skin - unless it’s dyed, white or grey. And never rely solely on colour to suggest identity.
Reflect a range of bodies, genders and ages
Real humans come in all shapes, sizes, ages and expressions. Include different body types, show people across the gender spectrum and reflect what you see in the world - not what you’ve absorbed from the same old media tropes. This includes child characters, too.
Include disabled people - and do not reduce them
Wheelchairs are one way to signal disability, but they’re not the only one. Disabled people are part of every aspect of life, doing every kind of job, living every kind of story. Don’t cast them only as victims or superheroes.
Represent all kinds of families
Families come in many varieties, of course, and members of the same family can be just as diverse as wider society. It can be hard to remember that, though, given the norms we’ve grown up with in media and culture. Again, we need to look to the real world for inspiration.
Make believable, layered characters
Our identities are multiple, nuanced and intersecting. Someone’s race, sexuality, neurodivergence, gender identity, class or faith might not always be visible but they’re still present and they shape how people move through the world. Think about your characters’ backstories and inner lives. The more you do, the richer your storytelling becomes.
Respect the brief - but bring your perspective
Our clients come to us with their own perspectives, experiences and expectations - and we respect that. Part of our role is to reflect the world as they see it. But we also believe in gently challenging assumptions, bringing in what we’ve learned about inclusive storytelling. If something feels complex or unclear, we work through it together. Because inclusion isn’t a box to tick - it’s an ongoing conversation and we’re committed to keeping it open.
