Mart Lett

Clients who work with Mart speak of an artist who is communicative, patient, friendly and detail oriented. Becoming a full-time illustrator in 2023, Mart has quickly built up a client list that includes international publishers alongside specialists in the fantasy and comic genres. Now they can follow their passion – to bring stories to life. Growing up in the far north of Russia, Mart’s creativity was shaped by those long polar nights, when imaginative drawing and bright colours were like an escape from the cold and darkness. From the world of animé, Sailor Moon, Studio Ghibli and Satoshi Kon, were key influences for Mart in the development of their style, along with retro techniques like risographic and screen printing. Mart studied computer animation in Tyumen, Russia, covering animation, 3D, sculpture, photography, colour theory, anatomy, composition, drawing and painting.

Approach

A Mart Lett illustration begins as a series of thumbnails to discover the most appropriate composition for the visual storytelling. This is followed by an exploration of colour palettes to do the same, and then the line work is hand drawn using Procreate brushes that closely mimic pencil work, maintaining a rough, textured effect. The colours, textures and finishing are completed in Photoshop.

Key software

Procreate and Adobe Photoshop.

Style

Fine line work, impactful compositions and nuanced texturing come together in Mart Lett’s illustrations, resulting in a comic style that leans towards fantasy art. Often, there’s a sense of magic, a touch of surrealism and a nostalgic dreaminess to the finished work.

Languages

English and Russian

Awards

2026 – Creative Quarterly 85 – Winner