A burst of colorful blobsA large kneeling man with a red pencil in his both hands

Curious and bright problem solving through illustration

Hello, my name is Ričards. I am a freelance illustrator & designer from Riga, Latvia

My style is a mixture of bright colours, simple shapes and modern aesthetics! Creating characters who communicate their feelings through body language and compositions which brings concepts to life.

My goal is to create an energetic and bright vision, to solve problems for people, products and brands.

I am available for commissions, and will be happy to answer any of your questions!

Awards

D&AD's 23 New blood x Editor X: The Portfolio Winner
ADC*E  Awards 22 European Best Young Creative
LADC  ADwards 22 The Young Creative
WIA22 Highly Commended

Interviews

ItsNiceThatFOLDHype & HyperCreative Boom
An illustration of a worm on an apple
An illustration of a yellow dragonflyProfile picture of illustrator and designer Ricards Znutins-Znutans
An illustration of a pink and blue snail

Selected works

Special illustratrations from 2018 — 2023
An illustration of a yellow mouse
2023

BIO VERJUS

Verjus is the pasteurised juice of early ripe, pressed grapes. The grapes from the vineyards - managed according to the Bio Suisse guidelines - are harvested by hand before the colour changes in August.

Dive inBuy A Piece
Label design for a bottle of a Swiss based family owned business company, which make pure & organic kind of Vinegar.
2022

Swans — Known & The Unknown

Exhibition for the Latvian Museum of Natural History, dedicated to the majestic birds, which tells the story of their grace, beauty and danger as a living species.

Dive inBuy A Piece
2022

EMORI — Emotion regulation application

Application that helps people understand their emotional health and well being.

Dive inBuy A Piece
2021

It must be nice

Ričards Znutiņš-Znutāns new book containing 27 types of human emotions is a global exploration of human psychology. — It's Nice that

Dive inBuy A Piece
2021

Le Monde Diplomatique

“The agony of choice”, comic for Le Monde diplomatique July issue, which tells a story about making decisions, despite all the choices that we have. So in the end we are happy with it. Appreciate, love and live.

Dive inBuy A Piece
Burst of colorful blobs

More cool projects

2018 — 2023

Berliner Zeitung

Is wild peeing a male bad habit or urological desperation? Urinating in public is frowned upon, it's even a misdemeanour - yet some men do it again and again. You can get upset about it or ask: Why actually?

Buy a print

Baltic Pride

Until we are all equal, programme poster for Baltic Pride 2021.

Buy a print
A reminder to take care of yourself, so you don't end up like this guy right here.

Selfcare

A reminder to take care of yourself, so you don't end up like this guy right here.

Buy a print
Inspired by paintings of Rembrandt & the culture of P.I.M.P.S, two different world's collide in one place

The night watch

Inspired by paintings of Rembrandt & the culture of P.I.M.P.S, two different world's collide in one place

Buy a print

Berliner Zeitung

Is wild peeing a male bad habit or urological desperation? Urinating in public is frowned upon, it's even a misdemeanour - yet some men do it again and again. You can get upset about it or ask: Why actually?

Buy a print
How to save some money when you're a kid?

PIKOLO Magazine

How to save some money when you're a kid?

Buy a print

Covent Gardener

“Bird’s-eye hue” represents the colourful environment of London’s famous Neal’s Yard.

Buy a print
Illustration for exhibition that I took a part in. The whole concept of the exhibition was about rebirth and the creation of new ones, after the pandemic situation, which included 9 people from different fields such as writers, musicians, and artists.

The Triumph of Galatea

Illustration for exhibition that I took a part in. The whole concept of the exhibition was about rebirth and the creation of new ones, after the pandemic situation, which included 9 people from different fields such as writers, musicians, and artists.

Buy a print
I was commisioned by the Fineacts, Bulgaria. As one of 27 artists from EU to create work that reinforce solidarity and deal with the aftermath of the pandemic in European societies.

Culture of Solidarity

I was commisioned by the Fineacts, Bulgaria. As one of 27 artists from EU to create work that reinforce solidarity and deal with the aftermath of the pandemic in European societies.

Buy a print
A label for Double IPA beer named "Mūļāps". Made by the legendary "Malduguns" beer brewery.

Malduguns beer brewery

A label for Double IPA beer named "Mūļāps". Made by the legendary "Malduguns" beer brewery.

Buy a print
These illustrations are dedicated to Azores island and the beautiful flowers which grow there, each illustration represents specific flower specie.

Sugarbush flower

These illustrations are dedicated to Azores island and the beautiful flowers which grow there, each illustration represents specific flower species.

Buy a print

The Economist

How a tide of tech money is transforming charity. The new philanthropists are young, impatient and in a hurry.

Buy a print
These illustrations are dedicated to Azores island and the beautiful flowers which grow there, each illustration represents specific flower specie.

Heliconia flower

These illustrations are dedicated to Azores island and the beautiful flowers which grow there, each illustration represents specific flower species.

Buy a print
These illustrations are dedicated to Azores island and the beautiful flowers which grow there, each illustration represents specific flower specie.

Bird of paradise

These illustrations are dedicated to Azores island and the beautiful flowers which grow there, each illustration represents specific flower specie.

Buy a print
Illustration for Indie Italia Magazine, that tells a story about a man who is going mad and is in constant battle within himself.

Indie Italia Magazine

Illustration for Indie Italia Magazine, that tells a story about a man who is going mad and is in constant battle within himself.

Buy a print
This artwork is part of Artists for Climate - a unique collection of open-license visuals that inspire climate action. A creative collaboration between Fine Acts and TED Countdown.

Ride a bike, save the planet

This artwork is part of Artists for Climate — a unique collection of open-license visuals that inspire climate action. A creative collaboration between Fine Acts and TED Countdown.

Buy a print
Burst of colorful blobs

My approach

I believe that illustration is not only a decorative element, but an impactful tool for problem solving

It is about making things work, instead of making things pretty. It’s based on research and strategic thinking (Explanation of an idea with an appropriate way).

An illustration of a man trying to hold a large tower of colorful geometric shapes

Illustration is a tool for story telling

It’s a way of communication, which brings concepts to realistic visuals and creates vision for a specific task.

An illustration of a man who is reaching for an apple in other illustration

Illustration is enriching the visual language of communication and is used In such fields as UX/UI, branding and different products.

An illustration of a man trying to give an apple to a man in other illustration

It makes you stand out. It tells your story in a unique way. It makes you more meaningful and valuable.

Illustration is not a waste of time. Far more, its among the best long-term investments you can make for your brand or product.

An illustration of a man watering a large flower
An illustration of a man in a bush searching for something with a flashlight

My approach is to start with research

Even though I am an illustrator and sincere guy, I do believe that illustration without the proper research and strategic story telling is not enough.

An illustration of a man in a bush searching for something with a flashlight

Research provides us with information on audience, its behaviour and attitude, bringing clarity.

An illustration of a crocodile

Helping clients to stand out and increasing their value, by ideation and drawing sketches, for the most effective outcome

Which finishes by completing the visual — The illustration itself

An illustration of a lady in a red and pink dress holding a diamond