illo
Original editorial illustrations starring a recurring mascot
About
Turns an idea or an article URL into a print-style editorial illustration where a recurring mascot acts out the point: a single scene, a 2 to 4 panel mini-comic, a hand-drawn explainer diagram, or a transparent character cutout. 17 bundled looks (riso, blueprint, woodcut, pixel, clay and more) and 30+ character packs, or build your own.
Install
Works with Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Grok Bot, Hermes
Access
HighWhat this skill's own files let it touch on your machine and accounts. Access isn't a verdict: check the publisher and the security audits too.
- Bundles scripts
- Runs shell commands
- Writes files in your project
- Uses the network
- Asks for credentials
Bundles a Python engine script (standard library only) that renders images through your logged-in Codex CLI or Grok CLI subscription, Grok Bot's built-in image tool, or OpenRouter with an API key. The OpenRouter key is typed at a hidden prompt and stored in ~/.config/illo/config.yaml (mode 600). A failed subscription render never falls back to paid OpenRouter unless you pass --allow-paid-fallback. Only triggers when you ask for illo by name.
Reviewed from source on Oct 17, 2026. Read the files yourself before installing.
More Design skills
All skillsRelated articles
All articles
How to Let Claude Code Test Your Mobile App
Give Claude Code hands in the iOS Simulator or an Android emulator so it checks its own UI changes. Five MCP tools, real setup commands, honest tradeoffs.
Best Claude Code Marketing Skills (2026)
The Claude Code marketing skills I install first (SEO audit, copywriting, pricing) and three MCP tools that give them real SEO data.
Best Memory Tools for Claude Code (2026)
Five tools that give Claude Code memory across sessions, agents and machines, with install commands, honest caveats and when CLAUDE.md is enough.