Andrei Nicolescu — Bold Graphic Editorial Illustrator, Romanian

Meet Andrei Nicolescu – the Romanian illustrator whose artworks astound with energetic colours and bold graphical forms, while subtle hints of shading and texture soften the impact for a slightly retro vibe. He’s an artist who takes a concept and develops it into something powerful, engaging and emotive.

Based in Bucharest, Andrei grew up constantly drawing on scraps of paper and spare notebooks with his father’s architectural studio as a backdrop. Architecture is one key influence, and it’s the field he trained in, but he’s always harboured a love of comics and cartoons. With an eye for impactful compositions and a sense of design in his work, he’s developed a unique style all his own. Clients enjoy commissioning Andrei due to his ability to take a brief and instinctively transform it into a fascinating visual idea, and he’s worked with major brands around the world. Some of his favourite influences include Wes Anderson films, fantasy art, Darwyn Cooke and major 20th century aesthetic movements such as Brutalism and Art Nouveau.

Approach

With a background using pencils and markers, today Andrei works digitally using Photoshop and Illustrator, infusing his work with vibrant colours and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He’s adding 3D and animation to his repertoire with tools such as Spline, Cinema 4D and After Effects.

Key software

Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Style

Andrei’s unique style is compelling, emotive and thought provoking. Well-designed compositions and hints of retro textures are sometimes coupled with a touch of deconstructivism – reassembling ideas, physical things, people and their feelings.