Lucas Wakamatsu is a Brazilian illustrator & graphic designer based in São Paulo. We love his mix of modernism, color and graphic shapes and characters.
Tell us about your journey as a designer.
I was born in a small city near São Paulo. I moved to another city to study graphic design, and freelanced a bit. Over time, my work got some visibility on Behance and Instagram. After I graduated, I came back to São Paulo and worked in a small animation production company. It wasn't until two years ago, I started freelancing full time.
![](https://playbook-at.ghost.io/content/images/2021/01/Danca-1.png)
How did you develop your distinctive style?
I developed my style over many years. I was mostly inspired by a lot of other illustrators and other artists that I love. I also don't see my style as permanent. It's constantly evolving. For example, the work from last year looks different than what I produce now.
What does your creative process look like?
When I work with clients, I start by asking them as much as I can to understand what they're looking for. When I need inspirations and ideas, I walk around the city and try to see different things. Unfortunately I haven't done much of that since COVID. And then I sit down and do sketches. When I feel like I land on good ideas, I start designing in Photoshop.
![](https://playbook-at.ghost.io/content/images/2021/01/Bolha-1.png)
Your work has such vibrant colors! How do you choose colors for each piece?
I first imagine how I want the audience to feel when they see my work on the other side. If I want my audience to feel like it's a sunny Saturday in Summer, I use bright colors. And then I picture how their face would look when they're looking at my work and use that same expression on the face I draw. I think about, what is that feeling and emotion that I want to pass to our audience through this.
![](https://playbook-at.ghost.io/content/images/2021/01/Abstract-1.png)
![](https://playbook-at.ghost.io/content/images/2021/01/C-C-1.png)
How would you describe your style with three words?
Dynamic, energetic, positive
When people would be scrolling their Instagram feed and my work happen to catch their eye, I hope that made them feel a bit happier and better. I feel like that's my purpose.
![](https://playbook-at.ghost.io/content/images/2021/01/Jardineiro.png)
![](https://playbook-at.ghost.io/content/images/2021/01/Baleias.png)
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Lucas is based in São Paulo, Brazil and available for hire. Check out more of his work on his site and follow along on his Instagram.