Enrich your design system
When photography isn't the solution, you could use illustrations to tell your story. Whether it is on a website or business app. Characters can help out.
Implement your identity
When icons are too simple looking and photo's are too much, use illustrated icons who suits your corporate identity.
Fill in the empty (states)
When an user did not fill in a form, or there isn't a file stored in this folder... you can tell it by using text or you can say it by using an illustration. Or use both, for the best usability.