What is Corporate Memphis Design?

Corporate Memphis Design (aka Alegria, Big Tech Memphis) features flat character illustrations with disproportionate limbs, simple faces, bright colors, and generic diversity. Became ubiquitous in tech/corporate from 2017-2020. Often criticized as soulless.

When Should You Use This?

Corporate Memphis is falling out of favor—generally avoid. If you must use flat illustrations, add unique style and personality. Original Memphis Design (postmodern 80s) is different and interesting; corporate knockoff is not.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •Using at all—corporate Memphis is overused and criticized; stand out with unique style
• •Generic execution—if using flat illustrations, add distinguishing characteristics
• •Wrong name—Corporate Memphis confusingly named; actual Memphis Design (1980s) is different
• •Missing personality—corporate Memphis strips away character; add it back
• •Ignoring alternatives—many beautiful illustration styles exist; explore beyond default

Real-World Examples

• •Facebook/Meta—early adopter of corporate Memphis style (called it Alegria)
• •Dropbox—used flat character illustrations in rebrand (later evolved away)
• •SaaS marketing—countless B2B sites used generic corporate Memphis illustrations
• •Banking apps—financial services adopted safe, friendly corporate Memphis