Top 10 illustrators to watch: A must-see list for art enthusiasts

Get a burst of visual inspiration from our selection of top illustration talent drawn from global representation agency Agent Pekka.

One of the great things about illustration is that there’s always a ton of raw talent coming up, with new and imaginative styles by which to be inspired. At the same time, of course, there are also many experienced illustrators who somehow manage to stay off your radar.

We wanted to hunt down some of the most talented illustrators making waves today with fresh and imaginative work. So we turned to Agent Pekka, a global collaboration agency that champions originality, newness and craft.

With offices in Helsinki, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, and soon Paris, Agent Pekka represents a hand-picked group of artists working across various disciplines, from 3D and animation to illustration and typography.

In short, Agent Pekka knows talent when they see it. So, in this article, we bring together 10 of our favourite illustrators on their books today, with styles as diverse as they are distinctive.

Whether you’re looking for a talented illustrator to collaborate with or simply seeking original artwork to ignite your own creative spark, be prepared to be inspired, captivated and engaged by these fantastic artists.

1. Karlotta Freier

Brooklyn-based artist Karlotta Freier creates more than images; she builds atmospheres. Her work explores composition, texture and emotion, drawing viewers into quiet, carefully structured scenes. Often collaborating with luxury brands, she brings a refined touch to editorial, branding and conceptual projects.

2. Stefano Colferai

Stefano Colferai shapes characters and stories by hand, using plasticine as his medium. His stop-motion animations turn familiar forms into something new, balancing humour and craftsmanship. Whether reimagining pop culture icons or building original characters, his work is instantly recognisable.

Read our exclusive interview with him to learn more.

3. Macarena Luzi

Macarena Luzi, based in Los Angeles, makes vibrant, abstract landscapes filled with colour and movement. Working across painting, textile design and illustration, she experiments with composition and texture to create a sense of motion. Each piece feels like a playful balance of structure and spontaneity.

4. Jee-ook Choi

Seoul-based illustrator Jee-ook Choi creates compositions that sit between reality and imagination. Influenced by her rural upbringing, she balances detail with a sense of the surreal, guiding viewers through carefully constructed scenes.

5. Henrique Barone

Agent Pekka now provides animation services to its clients, with Vancouver-based Henrique Barone leading the way. An animation director at heart, he tells stories through movement, balancing timing and expression to capture subtle emotions. His approach brings rhythm and delight to every frame.

6. Lucas Zanotto

Based in Helsinki, Lucas Zanotto distills emotions into playful, stripped-back forms. His animations and character designs shift between moods, using simple shapes and movement to express curiosity, joy, and rhythm. His visuals feel effortless yet full of personality.

7. Micha Huigen

Working from the Netherlands, Micha Huigen creates worlds where vintage graphic novel aesthetics meet surreal landscapes. His dynamic compositions and unusual colour palettes spark curiosity, drawing viewers into new visual territories. His work is perfect for editorial and storytelling-driven projects.

8. Merijn Hos

Dutch artist Merijn Hos is constantly evolving, yet his work remains unmistakably his own. Moving fluidly between illustration, sculpture and installation, he explores form and colour with curiosity, always pushing his practice in new directions.

9. Felipe Vargas

Felipe Vargas, an animator and illustrator based in Santiago, creates deeply cinematic work. His compositions are immersive, with a strong sense of movement and texture. Influenced by nature, folk art and craft, his work has a distinct rhythm suited for animation, branding and storytelling.

10. Icinori

Icinori, the creative duo of Mayumi Otero and Raphaël Urwiller, are meticulous in their approach to illustration and printmaking. Their work balances traditional craftsmanship with contemporary storytelling, resulting in compositions that feel timeless yet entirely their own.