Hiring an illustration agency might seem the safest choice—especially when working with tight deadlines, high-stakes campaigns, and no room for creative misfires. After all, agencies promise a team of professionals who can handle your art direction, visual storytelling, and brand illustrations without the headaches of:
Paying full-time graphic designers for inconsistent workloads.
Covering salaries, benefits, equipment, and software licenses—even when there isn’t enough work to justify a full production pipeline year-round.
Limited artistic versatility on hand. Agencies offer access to illustrators with specialized skills in editorial illustration, product rendering, motion graphics, and concept development, ensuring the expertise of a single artist does not limit you.
But here’s the thing:
While agencies seem like the perfect solution, they also come with their own trade-offs. Here’s why:
It’s difficult to scale creative needs with agencies. An agency might cover illustration needs, but what if your campaign also requires photography, copywriting, or animation? Scaling across different creative needs often means hiring multiple agencies—or complicating coordination and driving up costs.
You don’t know who’s really handling your creative projects and how. Many agencies rely on overseas freelancers to scale, which can lead to a disconnect between your brand and the final creative output. Cultural nuances, brand voice, and audience expectations can get lost in translation, making it harder for campaigns to resonate.
Premium retainers. Agencies operate on structured pricing models that often require long-term costly retainers or bundled service packages—meaning you might end up paying for more than you actually need.
Now that you know the pros and cons, let’s take a look at the top illustration agencies in Sweden—starting with CRDB, the marketplace that helps you build a team of vetted creative talents close to you.
7 Best Illustration Agencies in Sweden (+ 1 Local Creative Talent Option)
Creative Database– Hire a Team of Vetted Creative Talents Close To You
Looking for the right illustration expertise in Sweden? Creative Database (CRDB) is here to make your search easier and quicker. It is a local online marketplace that connects you with over 2,000 vetted creative freelancers across Sweden.
Instead of navigating the complexities of traditional agency models, CRDB offers a straightforward way to find and hire the illustrators you need—when you need them.
How CRDB Works
With CRDB, you’ll simply describe your illustration needs and get matched with the best freelancers. CRDB’s AI assistant understands your illustration needs without requiring a detailed brief, helping you quickly connect with the right freelancers. It’s simple—just follow these 3 steps:
Describe what you need in one sentence.
Browse through the best-matched freelancers and review their previous work.
Shortlist your top choices or directly reach out to the freelancer you’d like to connect with.
What makes CRDB different?
It’s all about local talent. Every freelancer on the platform understands the Swedish cultural context to make sure your campaigns feel authentic and resonate with your Swedish audience. Whether you’re working on a one-time project or need ongoing creative support, CRDB gives you the flexibility to hire on your terms—without the overhead of full-time hires or agency retainers.
Since you're looking for an illustration agency in Sweden, here are 4 reasons CRDB could be the perfect fit for you:
Skip the middleman, find the right illustrator faster
With CRDB, you skip the agency middleman and get direct access to a pool of talented illustrators right away. This gives you the freedom to:
Browse portfolios of illustrators to find fresh inspiration. (Work with the artist behind the portfolio you liked.)
Search for illustrators based on their style, experience, and expertise.
Connect with them instantly to discuss your project.
Plus, with CRDB, you only pay for the talent you need—no hidden fees, no expensive retainers. It’s a more budget-friendly approach than traditional agencies, giving you high-quality creative work at market rates.
Connect directly with the illustrator behind your design
No more back-and-forth with account managers or worrying about miscommunication. You can share your vision, ask questions, and make sure your project is executed exactly as you imagined without ideas getting lost through a middleman.
Plus, built-in contract management keeps everything organized, so you can focus on the creative process without unnecessary stress.
Hire the way that works for you
Some businesses need illustrators regularly; others just once in a while. We offer two ways to hire:
One-time projects: Perfect if you need an illustrator for a specific job, with no long-term commitment.
Business Club subscription: If you hire frequently, you'll have access to advanced features like team collaboration, contact details, and group briefing.
Bank on trust, not guesswork
Every illustrator on the platform comes with verified references from real industry professionals. Instead of relying on star ratings, we vet freelancers based on portfolio quality and client recommendations.
Every member goes through a thorough review process that includes:
Portfolio Assessment – CRDB evaluates work samples to ensure quality and experience.
Client Recommendations – Verified references provide insight into a freelancer’s professionalism, reliability, and rates.
The CRDB Guarantee – A mark of trust backed by years of experience, strong client relationships, or outstanding work.
Credibility Over Quantity – Instead of generic ratings, references are tied to real people, making it easy to verify past work.
Beyond vetting, CRDB acts as a concierge service, helping businesses confidently build creative teams. And with 20 years in the industry, we know exactly what to look for in creative projects—matching you with the right talent for the job.
Traditional Agencies vs Vetted Creative Freelancers
Factor | Traditional Agency | Vetted Local Freelance Talent (CRDB) |
Transparency & Control | Limited visibility—agencies often outsource work without telling you who’s doing it. | Full transparency—you’ll know exactly who you’re hiring and can check their references. |
Cost-Effectiveness | Expensive retainers and hidden fees on services. | No middleman fees—work directly with freelancers at market rates. |
Talent Access | Restricted to the agency’s network, which might not cover all your needs. | Direct access to a wide range of specialized creatives with the exact skills you need. |
Cultural & Brand Fit | Agencies may outsource to freelancers who don’t understand your market. | Focuses on local freelancers who know the Swedish market and your audience’s cultural nuances. |
Speed & Workflow | Slower, with multiple internal approvals and communication layers. | Quick and lean—AI helps find the right talent fast, and the process is automated from start to finish. |
Flexibility & Scalability | Fixed contracts make it tough to adjust to changing needs. | Access to a wide range of creative freelancers, allowing businesses to scale their marketing efforts without needing new agency contracts |
Communication | Communication goes through account managers, causing delays. | Direct communication with the talent working on your project for clear alignment. |
Expertise & Quality | Agencies may hire overseas talent, leading to inconsistent quality. | CRDB local freelancers are vetted professionals who have worked with top brands like Volvo—you can verify their experience and references. |
Illustration & Creative services you’d find on CRDB
Commercial Illustration: Find experts in advertising, packaging, and merchandise illustration. Browse vetted illustrators.
Editorial Illustration: Do you use visual storytelling to complement written content? You’ll get the best illustration service for magazines, newspapers, blogs & online articles. Explore graphic designers.
Branding & Identity Illustration: Get custom branding assets, including mascots, logos, and internal materials. Discover UI/UX designers.
Motion & Animation – Need dynamic visuals? Work with skilled 2D animators to bring your illustrations to life. Find 2D animators.
Or, browse all available illustrators to find the right creative match.
Kolossal
Kolossal is a branding, design, and content agency based in Malmö, bringing creativity and strategy together to help brands stand out.
They specialize in two key areas:
Kolossal Digital – This is where they tackle the digital side of things, from sleek web design and app development to UX/UI design. Their goal? To create intuitive and engaging digital experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Kolossal Content – Storytelling is at the heart of what they do. Whether it’s film, photography, articles, or social media campaigns, they craft content that connects with the right audience in a meaningful way.
Illustration Services
Along with branding and design, Kolossal also provides illustration services, including:
Illustrations for communication and content strategies
Editorial illustrations for articles, press releases, and social media
Custom illustrations for internal communication and branded materials
Why Brands Choose Kolossal
What sets Kolossal apart is their ability to blend strategy with creativity. They don’t just design or create content—they build cohesive brand stories that work across multiple platforms.
Want to see their work in action? Check out their portfolio on their website.
TBD To Be Designed
TBD is a strategy and design studio based in Stockholm, working with ambitious brands like Arlanda Express, H&M Group, Postnord, and Mantle.
Their approach blends research, strategy, and creativity to help brands build strong, purposeful identities.
Illustration Services
TBD specializes in strategy and design, helping brands define who they are and how they present themselves.
Their services include:
Brand identity illustrations – From logos to mascots, they create visuals that make brands instantly recognizable.
Packaging and portfolio design – Thoughtfully designed illustrations that bring products to life.
Custom illustrations for spatial experiences and product design – Whether it’s a physical space or a new product, TBD ensures every design element fits seamlessly into the brand story.
Why Brands Choose TBD
What makes TBD stand out is their research-driven approach. Every illustration is more than just a visual—it’s designed to align with your brand’s purpose and vision.
Curious to see their work? Check out their portfolio on their website.
Sparkly
Sparkly is a creative agency based in Sweden, helping brands grow through design, content, and advertising. They specialize in building strong brand identities and crafting strategic marketing campaigns that make an impact.
They’ve worked with brands like FACE Stockholm, Minéra, and Mäklarhuset Åland, bringing creativity and strategy together to help businesses stand out.
Illustration Services
Sparkly provides a range of illustration services, including:
Graphic design and custom illustrations – Tailored visuals that capture your brand’s personality.
Animated illustrations – Eye-catching content for social media and marketing campaigns.
Branded illustrations – Perfect for merchandise, packaging, and other touchpoints.
Why Brands Choose Sparkly
Sparkly’s strength lies in its ability to create bold, recognizable brand identities. Whether through design, content, or advertising, it ensures that every visual element supports the brand’s story.
Want to see their work? Check out their portfolio on their website.
Clementi Studio
Clementi Studio is a Stockholm-based brand and design agency that brings visuals to life through branding, web design, motion graphics, video production, and photography. Whether it’s a sleek new logo or a full-scale rebrand, they help businesses create a strong, lasting identity.
They’ve worked with brands like NetNordic, Mopiano, Ananda, Nike (Luminous V2K), and Laserdome, delivering everything from rebrands to music videos.
Illustration Services
Clementi Studio specializes in illustration and motion design, including:
Custom logos and mascots – Unique visuals that define your brand.
Packaging design illustrations – Eye-catching designs for products.
Motion graphics and animated illustrations – Engaging content for digital campaigns.
Why Brands Choose Clementi Studio
What makes Clementi stand out is its ability to blend illustration with motion graphics. This makes it a great choice for brands looking to create dynamic, engaging campaigns.
Want to see their work in action? Check out their portfolio on their website.
Surr
Surr is a creative communications agency based in Malmö. It specializes in design, illustration, photography, and video. From concept to final delivery, Surr handles projects of all sizes, bringing ideas to life through bold visuals and thoughtful storytelling.
They’ve worked with brands like Hemmakväll, Klarna, Kry, and Sproud, helping them craft standout visuals across various mediums.
Illustration Services
Surr provides custom illustration services, including:
Illustrations and mascots – Unique visuals that add personality to your brand.
Print-ready illustrative graphics – High-quality designs for packaging, posters, and more.
Icon and logotype design – Clean, recognizable branding elements.
Why Brands Choose Surr
Surr takes a hands-on approach, ensuring that every illustration aligns perfectly with your brand’s unique identity. Their attention to detail and creativity make them a great choice for brands looking to stand out.
Want to see their work? Check out their portfolio on their website.
Detail Produktionsbyrå
Detail is a creative production agency based in Stockholm. It specializes in original production and idea-driven solutions for print and digital media. Through striking visuals, Detail brings concepts to life, ensuring every project is engaging and effective.
They’ve worked with brands like NCC, Axfood, and Koster Salt, delivering creative solutions across multiple platforms.
Illustration Services
Detail provides a range of illustration services, including:
Infographics and custom illustrations – Clear, visually compelling graphics for storytelling.
Motion graphics and animation – Dynamic visuals for digital campaigns.
Print and digital media illustrations – Tailored designs for magazines, marketing materials, and more.
Why Brands Choose Detail
With expertise in both print and digital media, Detail is a versatile choice for brands looking to create cohesive, multi-channel campaigns.
Want to see their work in action? Check out their portfolio on their website.
Loudly
Loudly is a creative agency specializing in digital communication. Founded in 2016 in Stockholm, they collaborate with companies across Sweden to craft compelling visual experiences that connect with audiences online.
They’ve worked with brands like Folksam, Coop, SF, and Spendrups, bringing creativity and strategy together to enhance their digital presence.
Illustration Services
Loudly’s expertise extends to illustration, offering:
3D and AR illustrations – Cutting-edge visuals for digital experiences.
Animated illustrations – Motion graphics for film, social media, and marketing.
Branding and concept illustrations – Unique visuals that strengthen brand identity.
Why Brands Choose Loudly
Loudly’s deep understanding of digital communication ensures that every illustration is optimized for online engagement, making them a great choice for brands looking to stand out in the digital space.
Want to see their work in action? Check out their portfolio on their website.
