In the vibrant realm of contemporary Polish illustrators, Dawid Ryski stands out as a creative force who blurs the boundaries between punk energy, graphic poetry, and design craftsmanship. Better known in creative circles as Talkseek, Ryski has developed a multifaceted practice that encompasses concert posters, editorial illustration, album artwork, murals, and more — all characterized by a uniquely playful yet soulful visual language.
Born in 1982 and based in Puławy, Poland, Dawid Ryski’s artistic journey began far from the typical trajectory of a student in art school. Originally trained as a landscape architect, Ryski was drawing long before formal artistic studies ever entered his life. Beginning with fire engines in kindergarten and evolving through teenage obsessions with skate culture and punk rock. His first professional break also came through the music world, when he was asked to create the album artwork for friends’ bands while playing drums in Warsaw-based punk groups. This early intersection of music and visuals set the tone for his career, where rhythm and form meet in bold and unexpected ways.
Style Rooted in Playful Details, Humour, and Attention-Demanding Visual Storytelling
Ryski’s illustrations have appeared across a remarkably broad spectrum of formats, from prestigious international newspapers and magazines to concert, festival, and cultural event posters. His poster work for bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Zola Jesus, and Afghan Whigs helped cement his reputation within the alternative and indie music circles, while editorial assignments for major publications showcase his versatility. He has also collaborated with major brands ranging from Hermès to Apple and Ikea to Netflix, which further expanded the reach of his distinctive visual language.
Alongside these commercial projects, Ryski has cultivated a strong personal practice centered on prints and poster series that often nod to the legacy of the Polish Poster School. Nostalgia, humor, and cultural memory weave through his imagery, yet the work always remains distinctly contemporary.
Many of his posters reflect a keen sense of rhythm and storytelling, where typography, character design, and cultural references merge into visual narratives that feel both familiar and freshly surprising. This visual rhythm is no accident. With roots in music, Ryski constructs imagery that can feel almost melodic.
One of the defining elements of Ryski’s work is what might be described as expressive flatness — a visual style anchored in bold silhouettes, clean shapes, restrained perspective, and confident use of color. His compositions feel at once immediate and timeless. Many of his posters reflect a keen sense of rhythm and storytelling, where typography, character design, and cultural references merge into visual narratives that feel both familiar and freshly surprising. This visual rhythm is no accident. With roots in music, Ryski constructs imagery that can feel almost melodic. Whether he’s illustrating a jazz ensemble or a punk-rock gig, his posters pulse with momentum and personality.
Dawid Ryski occupies a compelling position in today’s culture. His work resonates not only for its aesthetic qualities but for its cultural sensitivity and storytelling power. He connects illustration to lived experience — bridging music, memory, and Polish design heritage in a way that feels both grounded and boldly contemporary. Stay on beat with Ruski’s evolving work repertoire by following him on Instagram, or why not do it one better and purchase your own original Ruski to hang on your wall here. Below you can see some of our favourite works by the illustrator.
Images © Dawid Ryski