Trevin Chow · @tmchow ↗ illo
Generate original, print-style editorial illustrations for articles and blogs, each a scene where a recurring mascot acts out the idea. Pick from ten built-in looks or design your own character.
The roster
What it does
illo generates original editorial illustrations for articles and blog posts, the kind where a recurring mascot character acts out the idea instead of a stock photo. Give it a line like "we replatform with zero downtime" and it composes a single-metaphor scene around your character.
Pick one of ten bundled looks, from riso and blueprint to woodcut and clay, or design your own character with the built-in builder. It renders through two backends: your Codex CLI, which is free for subscribers and needs no API key, or OpenRouter as a universal fallback with model choice. Installs as a native plugin for Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, and more.
When to use it
- Your article needs art that isn't stock
Generate original editorial illustrations where a recurring mascot acts out the idea.
- You want a consistent illustration style across posts
Pick from ten built-in looks or design your own character and reuse it.
Common questions
Do I need an API key or paid plan for illo?
It depends on the backend. illo renders through your Codex CLI with gpt-image-2, which is free for Codex subscribers and needs no API key, or through OpenRouter as a paid fallback when you do not have Codex.
What illustration styles can I use?
illo ships ten built-in looks, including riso, blueprint, woodcut, clay, and gouache, each starring a recurring mascot that acts out your idea. You can also design your own character and palette.
How do I install illo?
In Claude Code you add illo with /plugin marketplace add tmchow/illo-skill then /plugin install illo@illo-skill. Codex and Cursor have their own install commands in the repo.
Is the skill free?
Yes. illo is open-source under the MIT license. Your only cost is image generation, which is free on a Codex subscription or paid per image through OpenRouter.