Roberts Rurans’ illustrations have a timeless quality about them. Minimalistic, bold, and graphic, they deliver simple messages in neat, digestible form. “I try to simplify forms and avoid the inclusion of small details in my compositions as they’re usually unnecessary both visually and conceptually,” said Rurans in an interview with Sense of Creativity.
This simplifaction also meant, in his case, eliminating features like eyes and noses from his characters. “Mouth and body language are enough to convey emotions, so I go with that,” explains Rurans.
Based in Riga, Latvia, he works full time as a freelance illustrator. As such, it’s important for him that his work be approachable, so as not to lose its potential for commercial use. “I’ve heard my work evokes a smile, excitement and positive feelings in general,” says Rurans. “It comes out naturally and I think it’s for the good as this world can be a pretty dark place.”
Inspired by early modernist painters, he admits to enjoying the tangible quality of paintings and prints, with his tools include acrylic paints. “Everything I do is hand-painted with acrylic on paper with the addition of some digital cleaning and post-production in the end,” he says.
Here are some of his more recent illustrations.
